The Second World War Experience Centre

Collections > War at Sea > Allied: British - Fleet Air Arm

Telegraphist/Air Gunner Derek Foster
TRANSCRIPTS

Page 1: Card with instructions in Chinese of what to do if the bearer is found injured

• The man holding this paper is a member of the Allied Forces.
• He has become separated from the rest of the Allied Forces. Will you look after him so that he can rejoin them?
• He is not able to ask in Chinese for everything he needs, so you should anticipate his wants.
• Bring him drinking water.
• Give him food, such as fowls, vegetables, rice and other suitable foods.
• Hide this man and keep his presence a secret. The Japanese must not learn of his whereabouts.
• If he is unable to walk, make a stretcher and carry him.
• Let one man take the British Government's letter to the village chief.
• He will sign and give you a paper, and later the British Government will give you a good reward.

Page 2: News Bulletin on H.M.S. Victorious announcing the unconditional surrender of Japan

NEWS SUMMARY

H.M.S. VICTORIOUS 15th AUGUST 1945

VICTORY

The unconditional surrender of Japan to the Allies was announced simultaneously today in Washington, London, Chungking and Moscow. Japan has accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration "without qualification".

President Truman, on behalf of the Allies, has sent the following instructions to the Japanese:

Cease all hostilities immediately and notify the Supreme Allied Commanders when this order is fully complied with.

Send emissaries at once to the Supreme Allied Commander.

General Douglas MacArthur has been named Supreme Allied Commander and he will notify the Japanese emissaries of the time and place of the formal surrender.

VJ Day will not be announced until Japanese signatures are on the surrender document. The President, in announcing the victory, called this day the 'Day of the Democracies'.

In England the King will address the opening session of the New Parliament tomorrow. Mr. Winston Churchill will take the floor as leader of the opposition.

Admiral Nimitz has issued a cease fire order to all warships in the Pacific and Gen. MacArthur announces that troops for the occupation of Japan are ready.

Breaking all tradition, Emperor Hirohito spoke directly to the Japanese people by Radio at noon today. He told them that he had resorted to this "extraordinary measure" (surrender) and warned them to: "Beware of outbursts of emotion and internal strife". People are reported to be gathered outside the Emperor's palace, "weeping because of their unworthiness".

General Anami, the Japanese war minister, committed suicide last night.

Tokyo radio does not use the word surrender in its broadcasts to the Japanese, but refers to the "Imperial Decision". The people were told today that they should now concentrate on culture and industry.

China and Russia have signed a Treaty of friendship in Moscow.