Major events of this
period
The Syonan Shimbun, Aug 20, 2605
This was how the Japanese propaganda paper, the Syonan Shimbun, reported Japan’s surrender to the Allies. It was published on Monday, Aug 20, 1945, five days after the surrender.
IMPERIAL RESCRIPT
TENNO HEIKA Moved By Deep Concern for Humanity’s Future
Tokyo (Domei) - The Following is the text of the Imperial Rescript issued Aug 15, 1945:
"To our good and loyal subjects:
"After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure. We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that our Empire accepts the provisions of their joint declaration.
"To strive for the common property and happiness of all nations as well as the security and well-being of Our subjects is the solemn obligation which has been handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors, and which We lay close to heart. Indeed, We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure Nippon’s self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to embark upon territorial aggrandisement. But now the war has lasted for nearly four years.
"Despite the best that has been done by everyone -- the gallant fighting of military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our servants of State and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people, the war situation has developed not necessarily to Nippon’s advantage, while the general trends of the world have all turned against her interest.
"Moreover, the enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do damage is indeed incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should We continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and obliteration of the Nippon nation, but also it would lead to the total extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are WE to save the millions of our subjects; or to stone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of Our Imperial Ancestors.
"This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of the provisions of the joint declaration of the powers. We cannot but express the deepest sense of regret to Our allied nations of East Asia, who have consistently cooperated with the Empire towards the emancipation of East Asia. The thought of those officers and men as well as others who have fallen in the fields of battle, those who died at their posts of duty, or those who met with untimely death and all their bereaved families, pains Our heart night and day. The welfare of the wounded and the war sufferers, and of those who have lost their home and livelihood, are the objects of Our profound solicitude.
"The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subjected hereafter will be certainly great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of all ye, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictates of time and tale that WE have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable.
"Having been able to safeguard and maintain the structure of the Imperial State, We are always with ye, our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity and integrity. Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may engender needless complications, of any fraternal contention and strife which may create confusion, lead ye astray and cause ye to lose the confidence of the world.
"Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to generation, ever firm in its faith of the imperishableness of its divine land, and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibilities, and the long road before it, Unite your total strength to be devoted to the construction for the future. Cultivate the ways of recitude; foster nobility of spirit, and work with resolution so as ye may enhance the innate glory of the imperial State, and keep peace with the progress of the world."
Moses' start page
Copyright © 1998 Singapore Press Holdings. All Rights Reserved.
