Which 1945 Allied declaration demanded Japan’s surrender before the war ended?

The Potsdam Declaration demanded Japan’s surrender before World War II ended.

Issued on July 26, 1945, the declaration was made by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. It set out Allied terms for Japan and warned that rejecting them would bring “prompt and utter destruction.” The Soviet Union was not yet at war with Japan when the declaration was issued and did not initially sign it.

The declaration called for the unconditional surrender of Japan’s armed forces. It also promised that Japan would not be enslaved as a race or destroyed as a nation, while requiring the removal of militarism and the punishment of war criminals.

Japan initially gave no clear acceptance. After the atomic bombings, the Soviet declaration of war, and intense internal debate, Emperor Hirohito ordered acceptance of the terms. His radio announcement on August 15 followed, and the formal surrender was signed on September 2.