Switzerland transmitted Japan’s 1945 surrender message to President Harry Truman through its diplomatic mission in Washington, D.C.
Before the public announcement, the Japanese government communicated its willingness to accept the Potsdam Declaration through Swiss diplomatic channels. Switzerland was still neutral in the conflict and could relay messages between governments that did not maintain direct wartime communication.
The message included Japan’s acceptance of the Allied terms, with the Japanese government seeking to preserve the Emperor’s position. The Allies responded that Hirohito would be subject to the authority of the Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers.
This diplomatic exchange came before Hirohito’s radio broadcast on August 15 and the formal surrender ceremony on September 2. Switzerland’s role is sometimes confused with Sweden’s, which also served as a neutral diplomatic intermediary during World War II.