Which Allied statement issued on July 26, 1945, demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender?

The Potsdam Declaration demanded Japan’s unconditional surrender on July 26, 1945.

The United States, the United Kingdom, and China issued the declaration during the Potsdam Conference near Berlin. It called on Japan to surrender its armed forces and warned of “prompt and utter destruction” if Japan refused. The Soviet Union did not sign it at the time because it was still officially neutral in its war with Japan.

The statement outlined major postwar aims, including the disarmament of Japanese forces, the removal of militarist influence, and the occupation of designated Japanese territory. It also said Japan’s sovereignty would be limited mainly to the home islands and other islands determined by the Allies.

The declaration is often confused with the Japanese Instrument of Surrender. The Potsdam Declaration set out Allied demands; Japan later accepted those terms and signed the formal surrender document aboard the USS Missouri. The declaration also avoided specifying the future status of Emperor Hirohito.