dodis.ch/34

Das Politische Departement an die schweizerische Gesandtschaft in Washington12

Nummer 769. Um 20 Uhr 10 Schweizer Zeit hat japanischer Gesandter3 zuhanden der vier Alliierten folgende Erklärung schriftlich übergeben: «Communication of the Japanese Government of August 14th 1945 addressed to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and China.

With reference to the Japanese Government’s Note of August 10th4 regarding their acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and the reply of the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and China sent by American Secretary of State Byrnes under the date of August 11th5, the Japanese Government have the honor to communicate to the Governments of the four Powers as follows:

1. His Majesty the Emperor has issued an Imperial Rescript regarding Japan’s acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration.

2. His Majesty the Emperor is prepared to authorize and ensure the signature by His Government and the Imperial General Headquarters of the necessary terms for carrying out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration. His Majesty is also prepared to issue his commands to all the military, naval and air authorities of Japan and all the forces under their control wherever located to cease active operations, to surrender arms, and to issue such other orders as may be required by the Supreme Commander of the Allied forces for the execution of the above-mentioned terms.»