What was the name of the order that directed Japanese forces where to surrender after Japan capitulated?

General Order No. 1 was the order that directed Japanese forces where to surrender after Japan capitulated. It assigned Japanese units to surrender to designated Allied commanders in different regions.

The order was prepared by the United States Joint Chiefs of Staff and approved by President Harry Truman on 17 August 1945. General Douglas MacArthur issued it to Japanese representatives after the surrender process began.

Japanese Imperial General Headquarters then issued the order to Japan’s forces on 2 September. It required commanders to provide information about their deployments, preserve equipment, and obey instructions concerning disarmament and occupation.

One important provision divided surrender responsibilities in Korea. Japanese forces north of the 38th parallel were directed to surrender to Soviet forces, while those south of the parallel surrendered to U.S. forces. This arrangement contributed to Korea’s postwar division.