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Documents Relating to New Zealand's Participation in the Second World War 1939–45: Volume III

470 — The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

page 504

470
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs to the Prime Minister of New Zealand

10 August 1945

Cabinet this afternoon considered today's Japanese broadcast, which is the only intimation we have so far received of Japan's desire to surrender.1 Cabinet felt that further consideration must be given to the precise meaning of the Japanese reservation regarding the position of the Emperor. They accordingly decided to issue an announcement to the effect that we are in consultation with our Allies as to the position, and that in the meantime all concerned should carry on. The text will be telegraphed to you when finally settled. We are also telegraphing to the Governments of the United States, Russia2 and China asking for their views. We would be grateful if you would telegraph at once any observations which you may wish to make.

1 A broadcast from Tokyo on 10 August announced that the Japanese Government had sent a message through the Swiss and Swedish Governments to the British, American, Chinese and Russian Governments saying that they were prepared to accept the terms of the Potsdam Declaration of 26 July, ‘with the understanding that the said Declaration does not comprise any demand which prejudices the prerogatives of His Majesty [the Emperor] as a sovereign ruler.’

2 Russia declared war on Japan as from midnight on 8–9 August.