What phrase did the Potsdam Declaration use for the alternative to Japan’s surrender?

The Potsdam Declaration described the alternative to Japan’s surrender as “prompt and utter destruction.”

Issued on 26 July 1945, the declaration called on Japan to proclaim the unconditional surrender of its armed forces and provide assurances that it would comply. Its final warning stated that the Allies would not deviate from the terms and would brook no delay.

The declaration did not specify the future status of Emperor Hirohito directly, which contributed to uncertainty in Japanese political discussions. Japan initially did not accept the ultimatum publicly. After the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet entry into the war against Japan, the Japanese government accepted the declaration’s terms in August.