As soon as Suzuki was seated the Emperor himself got to his feet. His voice, usually expressionless, was noticeably strained. “I have given serious thought to the situation prevailing at home and abroad and have concluded that continuing the war means destruction for the nation and a prolongation of bloodshed and cruelty in the world.” The others listened with heads bowed. “I cannot bear to see my innocent people suffer any longer. Ending the war is the only way to restore world peace and to relieve the nation from the terrible distress with which it is burdened.” He paused.
