Why Ultimatum Was Accepted

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVIII, Issue 23280, 16 August 1945, Page 5

Why Ultimatum Was Accepted

Enemy’s “Most Cruel Bomb ”

Hirohito Speaks To People (Received 11.35 p.m.) NEW YORK, August 15. I7MPEROR Hirohito, broadcasting for the first time over “ the Tokio radio, said: “Pondering deeply general world trends and actual conditions, we have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet that our Emperor accepts the provisions of the Potsdam declaration. “To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well being of our subjects is a solemn obligation handed down by our Imperial ancestors. (Here some words were indistinct.) Indeed, we declared war on Britain and America out of our sincere desire to ensure Japan’s self-preservation and the establishment of East Asia, it being far from our thought either to infringe upon other nations’ sovereignty or embark upon territorial aggrandisement. But now the war has lasted nearly four years. In spite of the best that has been done by everyone, the gallant fighting military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of our State servants and the devoted service of 100,000,000 people, the war situation has developed, not necessarily to Japan’s advantage, while general world trends have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is indeed incalculable, taking toll of many innocent lives. Should we continue the fight it would not only result in the ultimate collapse and obliteration of Japan as a nation, but also would lead to the total extinction of human civilisation.

“Such being the case,” the Emperor continued, "how are we to save millions of our subjects or to atone ourselves before the hallowed spirits of our Imperial ancestors? This is the reason why we have ordered acceptance of the provisions of the joint declaration of (,ne Powers.

“We cannot but express the deepest jsense of regret to our Allied Nations of East Asia who consistently co-operated with the empire toward the emancipation of East Asia. The thought of those officers and men who have fallen in battle and died at their posts and their bereaved families pains our heart night and day. The welfare of the wounded and war sufferers are objects of our profound solicitude. “The hardships and sufferings to which our nation will be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of your innermost feelings. It is according to the dictate of time and fate that we resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable. Having been able to save and maintain the structure of the imperial state, we are always with our good loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity. "Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications and any fraternal contentious strife which may

create confusion, lead you astray and cause you to lose the confidence of the world. Let the entire nation continue as one family, from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith in the imperishableness of its divine land, mindful of its heavy burden and responsibilities and of the long road before it. Unite your total strength to be devoted to construction for future culture, ways of rectitude and the further nobility of the spirit. Work with resolution so that you may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State. Keep pace with the progress of the world.’’ Radio Broadcast To Troops The Federal Communications Commission picked up a Tokio radio broadcast to troops at 1 p.m. Japanese time to-day. Kushuo Oya. chief of the Japan Broadcasting Company's Overseas Bureau, reported a rescript of the Emperor’s speech and added: “It was useless to resist longer. We have lost, but this is temporary. We do not think the way we have thought has been wrong, but of course, we do not say we have been right in everything. Japan's mistake was lack of material strength and necessary scientific knowledge and equipment. This mistake we must amend.’’ Monitors say that Oya's voice broke several times. It was the first time the

monitors recalled a Japanese broadcaster showing feeling. » The Japanese Prime Minister, Admiral Suzuki, in a broadcast immediately after the Emperor Hirohito, said: “Japan’s war aim was lost by the enemy’s use of a new type of bomb. Japan faces difficult times, but Imperial Japan will open new roads in the future.” A message expressing Emperor Hirohito’s “extreme concern for the calamity caused by the United States” was transmitted to-day to Japanese editors by the Domei News Agency. The message was addressed to the people assembled before the bridge leading to the grounds outside the Imperial Palace, where the Japanese gather in times of unusual events. The message said: — “The Emperor's concern has existed since the granting of the Imperial Rescript in 1941, under which was declared on the United States and Britain. How shall 100,000,900 people, filled with trepidation, reply to the Emperor. His Majestic subjects moved to tears by his Majesty’s boundless and infinite solicitude, and gathered in the grounds of the Imperial Palace which is quiet under dark clouds were honoured by the Emperor’s edict. In the sublime palace grounds loyal people are bowed to the very ground in front of Nijubashi (the bridge which leads to the palace). Their tears flow unchecked. Alas, in their shame, how can the people raise their heads with the words, ‘Forgive us. O Emperor, our efforts were not enough?’ “Our heads bow lower as our tears run unchecked. Ever since December 8. 1941. when we received the Imperial Rescript causing his Majesty deep anxiety. . .” At this point the Domei Agency broke the transmission to ask editors to hold up publication of the item. . Domei did not resume transmission of the dispatch. but subsequently put out a message to editors saying that at noon on Wednesday an important transmission will be made. This transmission will be of unprecedented importance. so 100.000.000 people without