Which 1945 declaration demanded Japan's unconditional surrender before the war's end?

The Potsdam Declaration demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender before the war’s end.

The declaration was issued on July 26, 1945, by the United States, the United Kingdom, and China. It warned Japan that rejecting the demand would bring “prompt and utter destruction.” The Soviet Union joined the declaration after entering the war against Japan in August.

The document called for the elimination of Japanese militarism, occupation of specified points, disarmament of Japanese forces, and prosecution of war criminals. It also stated that Japan would not be permanently enslaved or destroyed as a people, while limiting its sovereignty to the home islands and other areas determined by the Allies.

Japan initially rejected the declaration publicly through the word mokusatsu, often translated as “ignore” or “withhold comment.” After the atomic bombings, Soviet entry into the war, and internal debate, Japan accepted the declaration’s terms in August. The surrender ceremony then formalized that acceptance on September 2.