The Potsdam Conference
 When
the Potsdam Conference opened, the news of the successful test at
Trinity Site, New Mexico, had reached President Truman. The bomb was
now a reality. President Truman's first action was to call together
his chief advisors for their opinion on whether the bomb should be
used. The consensus was that it should, but that the military plans
for invasion should also proceed because it was not known what physical
or psychological effects the new weapon might have.
The United
States, the Soviet Union and Britain approved military plans for
invasion and drafted a declaration to be sent to the Japanese demanding
unconditional surrender. On July 26, 1945, the Potsdam Declaration
was broadcast to the Japanese by the Allied forces. The Japanese
government decided that a reply should await the result of peace
overtures to the Soviets. Prime Minister Suzuki announced to the
world on July 28 that he would ignore the ultimatum.
|
