Stokes: The great debate
By Thomas L. Stokes
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Era of atomic power –
Control of even the weather held possible
By David Dietz, Scripps-Howard science editor
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Teaching four freedoms –
Germans taught religion first in Army POW camps
Youths who knew only Hitler regime also learning other basic subjects
By Edward A. Evans, Scripps-Howard staff writer
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Ex-cabbie may become envoy
London may send Sir Ben Smith
By Blair Bolles, North American Newspaper Alliance
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Gracie Allen Reporting
By Gracie Allen
HOLLYWOOD – Goodness me, I can remember when little boys all wanted to grow up to be either firemen or baseball players. But since the atomic bomb, I’ve found out they all want to become scientists. If that keeps up, some day we won’t have anything but women for firemen, and the pitcher for Brooklyn will be someone by the name of Gwendolyn. George says she would be an improvement.
Anyhow, I don’t believe that a country full of scientists would be much fun. Husbands would spend all day looking at tiny things like atoms and molecules and when they came home, they’d be sure to notice if their wives had put on an extra ounce of weight. And if everybody was a famous scientist, just think how hard it would be on Don Ameche. He’d have a nervous breakdown trying to play them all in pictures.
Millett: ‘Glamor girl’ of Congress will hold spotlight
Woman legislator has no intention to give up striking personality
By Ruth Millett
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Banks to remain open on V-J Day
WASHINGTON (UP) – National banks will transact business on V-J Day as usual unless the announcement of the end of hostilities should fall on Sunday or a regularly designated holiday, according to an official of the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
The banks will remain open for business regardless of whether the President announces the day a legal holiday, it was said, as the Chief Executive has no statutory authority to designate holidays except as authorized by Congress.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (August 14, 1945)
Lawrence: Surrender to be signed on deck of battleship
By David Lawrence
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Presidential News Conference
August 14, 1945, 7 p.m. EWT
THE PRESIDENT. [reading]: “I have received this afternoon a message from the Japanese Government–”
Before I go any further, this will be in the form of releases, so you don’t have to copy it unless you want to. "–in reply to the message forwarded to that Government by the Secretary of State on August 11. I deem this reply a full acceptance of the Potsdam Declaration which specifies the unconditional surrender of Japan. In the reply there is no qualification.
"Arrangements are now being made for the signing of the surrender terms at the earliest possible moment.
"General Douglas MacArthur has been appointed the Supreme Allied Commander to receive the Japanese surrender. Great Britain, Russia, and China will be represented by high-ranking officers.
"Meantime, the Allied armed forces have been ordered to suspend offensive action.
"Proclamation of V-J Day must wait upon the formal signing of the surrender terms by Japan.
“The following is the Japanese Government’s message accepting our terms .”
But before I start to read that, there are three releases to come; one has to do with a 2-day holiday. The reason we are making it 2 days is because we didn’t get to celebrate for the other. [Laughter] Then there is one that has to do with the draft.
This is the official Swiss communique handed to the Secretary of State:
"Sir: I have the honor to refer to your note of August 11, in which you requested me to transmit to my Government the reply of the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, and China to the message from the Japanese Government which was communicated in my note of August 10.
"At 20.10 today (Swiss Time) the Japanese Minister to Switzerland conveyed the following written statement to the Swiss Government for transmission to the four Allied governments:
"'Communication of the Japanese Government of August 14, 1945, addressed to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China:
"'With reference to the Japanese Government’s note of August 10 regarding their acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam declaration and the reply of the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China sent by American Secretary of State Byrnes under the date of August 11, the Japanese Government have the honor to communicate to the Governments of the four powers as follows:
"'1. His Majesty the Emperor has issued an Imperial rescript regarding Japan’s acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam declaration.
"‘2. His Majesty the Emperor is prepared to authorize and ensure the signature of his Government and the Imperial General Headquarters of the necessary terms for carrying out the provisions of the Potsdam declaration. His Majesty is also prepared to issue his commands to all the military, naval, and air authorities of Japan and all the forces under their control wherever located to cease active operations, to surrender arms and to issue such other orders as may be required by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces for the execution of the abovementioned terms.’
"Accept, Sir, the renewed assurances of my highest consideration.
“Charge’ d’ Affaires of the Swiss Government in the United States”
Voice: I congratulate you!
THE PRESIDENT. That is all.
Joe Fox, Washington Star: Thank you, Mr. President.
[Applause and further congratulations]
Address by British Prime Minister Attlee on Japanese Surrender
August 14, 1945
Japan has today surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low. Here is the text of the Japanese reply to the Allied demands.
“With reference to the Japanese Government’s note of August 10 regarding their acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam declaration and the reply of the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union, and China sent by American Secretary of State Byrnes under the date of August 11, the Japanese Government have the honor to communicate to the Governments of the four powers as follows:
“1. His Majesty the Emperor has issued an Imperial rescript regarding Japan’s acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam declaration.
“2. His Majesty the Emperor is prepared to authorize and ensure the signature of his Government and the Imperial General Headquarters of the necessary terms for carrying out the provisions of the Potsdam declaration. His Majesty is also prepared to issue his commands to all the military, naval, and air authorities of Japan and all the forces under their control wherever located to cease active operations, to surrender arms and to issue such other orders as may be required by the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces for the execution of the abovementioned terms.”
Let us recall that on the 7th of December, 1941, Japan, whose onslaught China had already resisted for over four years, fell upon the United States of America, who was then not at war, and upon ourselves, who were so pressed in our death struggle with Germany and Italy. Taking full advantage of surprise and treachery, the Japanese forces quickly overran the territory of ourselves and our Allies in the Far East, and at one time it appeared as though they might even invade the mainland of Australia and advance far into India.
But the tide turned, first slowly, then with an ever-increasing speed and violence, as the mighty forces of the United States and of the British Commonwealth and Empire and of their Allies, and finally of Russia, were brought to bear. Their resistance is now everywhere being broken.
At this time we should pay tribute to the men from this country, from the Dominions and India and the colonies, to our fleets, armies and air forces, that have fought so well in the arduous campaign against Japan. Our gratitude goes out to all our splendid Allies and, above all, to the United States, without whose prodigious efforts this war in the East would still have many years to run
We also think especially at this time of the prisoners in Japanese hands, of our friends in the Dominions and Australia and New Zealand, in India, in Burma and in those colonial territories upon whom the brunt of the Japanese attack fell. We rejoice that their sufferings will soon be at an end and that these territories will soon be purged of the Japanese invader.
Here at home you have a short rest in the unceasing exertions which were all borne without flinching or complaint for so many dark years. I have no doubt that throughout industries generally the Government’s lead in the matter of victory holidays will be followed, and that tomorrow-Wednesday-and Thursday may everywhere be treated as days of holiday.
There are some who must necessarily remain at work on these days to maintain essential services, and I am sure they can be relied upon to carry on. When we return to work on Friday morning, we must turn again with energy to the great tasks which challenge us. But for the moment let all who can relax and enjoy themselves in the knowledge of a work well done.
Peace has once again come to the world. Let us thank God for this great deliverance and for His mercies.
Long live the King!