The declaration defining Japan’s surrender terms was issued in Potsdam, Germany, on July 26, 1945. It is therefore known as the Potsdam Declaration.
The declaration was issued by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. It demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan refused. The Soviet Union did not sign it at that time because it was not yet at war with Japan.
The Potsdam Declaration also described the Allies’ intended postwar goals, including the elimination of Japanese militarism, the limitation of Japanese sovereignty, and the occupation of selected Japanese territory. Japan initially rejected the declaration or failed to respond with acceptance.
After the atomic bombings and the Soviet declaration of war, Japan offered to accept the declaration with a condition concerning the emperor. The Allies replied that Hirohito would be subject to the authority of the Supreme Commander, and Japan later accepted the terms.