What Allied proclamation of 26 July 1945 set out the terms for Japan’s surrender?

The Potsdam Declaration of 26 July 1945 set out the Allied terms for Japan’s surrender.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and China issued the declaration during the Potsdam Conference. It called for the unconditional surrender of Japan’s armed forces and warned that refusal would bring “prompt and utter destruction.”

The declaration also described postwar objectives, including the disarmament of Japanese forces, punishment of war criminals, removal of militarist influence, and the establishment of democratic tendencies and fundamental rights. It did not specify whether Emperor Hirohito would retain his position.

Japan initially responded with mokusatsu, commonly translated as ignoring or withholding comment. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet declaration of war, and intense internal debate, Hirohito announced acceptance of the declaration on 15 August. The Instrument of Surrender was then signed on 2 September.