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Διάγγελμα του αυτοκράτορα
Χιροχίτο για την παράδοση της Ιαπωνίας
Τη νύχτα της 14ης Αυγούστου
1945 τεχνικοί του κρατικού ραδιοφώνου ηχογράφησαν το μήνυμα του αυτοκράτορα το
οποίο μεταδόθηκε την επόμενη μέρα.
To our good and loyal subjects
After pondering deeply the general trends of the world and the actual conditions
obtaining in Our Empire today, We have decided to effect a settlement of the
present situation by resorting to an extraordinary measure.
We have ordered Our Government to communicate to the Governments of the United
States, Great Britain, China and the Soviet Union that Our Empire accepts the
provision of their Joint Declaration.
To strive for the common prosperity and happiness of all nations, as well as the
security and well-being of Our subjects, is the solemn obligation which has been
handed down by Our Imperial Ancestors, and which We lay close to heart. Indeed,
We declared war on America and Britain out of Our sincere desire to ensure
Japan's self-preservation and the stabilization of East Asia, it being far from
Our thought either to infringe upon the sovereignty of other nations or to
embark upon territorial aggrandizement. But now the war has lasted for nearly
four years. Despite the best that has been done by everyone--the gallant
fighting of military and naval forces, the diligence and assiduity of Our
servants of the State and the devoted service of Our one hundred million people--the
war situation has developed not necessarily to Japan's advantage, while the
general trends of the world have all turned against her interest. Moreover, the
enemy has begun to employ a new and most cruel bomb, the power of which to do
damage is indeed incalculable, taking the toll of many innocent lives. Should We
continue to fight, it would not only result in an ultimate collapse and
obliteration of the Japanese nation, but also it would lead to the total
extinction of human civilization. Such being the case, how are We to save the
millions of Our subjects; or to atone Ourselves before the hallowed spirits of
Our Imperial Ancestors? This is the reason why We have ordered the acceptance of
the provisions of the Joint Declaration of the Powers.
We cannot but express the deepest sense of regret to our allied nations of East
Asia, who have consistently co-operated with the Empire toward the emancipation
of East Asia. The thought of those officers and men as well as others who have
fallen in the fields of battle, those who died at their posts of duty, or those
who met with untimely death and all their bereaved families, pains Our heart
night and day. The welfare of the wounded and the war-sufferers, and of those
who have lost their homes and livelihood, are the objects of Our profound
solicitude. The hardships and sufferings to which Our nation is to be subject
hereafter will certainly be great. We are keenly aware of the inmost feelings of
all ye, Our subjects. However, it is according to the dictate of time and fate
that We have resolved to pave the way for a grand peace for all the generations
to come by enduring the unendurable and suffering what is insufferable.
Having been able to safeguard and maintain the structure of the Imperial State,
We are always with ye, Our good and loyal subjects, relying upon your sincerity
and integrity. Beware most strictly of any outbursts of emotion which may
engender needless complications, or any fraternal contention and strife which
may create confusion, lead ye astray and cause ye to lose the confidence of the
world. Let the entire nation continue as one family from generation to
generation, ever firm in its faith of the imperishableness of its divine land,
and mindful of its heavy burden of responsibilities, and the long road before it.
Unite your total strength to be devoted to the construction for the future.
Cultivate the ways of rectitude; foster nobility of spirit; and work with
resolution so as ye may enhance the innate glory of the Imperial State and keep
pace with the progress of the world.
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