Which 1945 Allied proclamation set the surrender terms accepted by Japan at the end of World War II?

The Potsdam Declaration set the surrender terms that Japan accepted at the end of World War II.

Issued on July 26, 1945, the declaration was made by U.S. President Harry S. Truman, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, and Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek. It called for the unconditional surrender of Japan’s armed forces and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan refused.

The document also outlined broad postwar conditions. Japanese militarism was to be removed, Japan’s armed forces were to be disarmed, and the country’s sovereignty would be limited to the home islands and other islands designated by the Allies. The declaration did not directly mention the emperor, an omission that contributed to uncertainty among Japanese leaders. Hirohito’s government announced acceptance on August 15, and the formal surrender was signed on September 2.