With reference to the recent atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, the emperor went on to present Japan’s decision to capitulate as nothing less than a magnanimous act that might save humanity itself from annihilation by an atrocious adversary. “The enemy has for the first time used cruel bombs to kill and maim extremely large numbers of the innocent,” he declared, “and the heavy casualties are beyond measure. To continue the war further could lead in the end not only to the extermination of our race, but also to the destruction of all human civilization.” By accepting Allied demands to
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