"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)
Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations
National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Communications Exchanged in Connection with Surrender, Answer of the United States Government of August 11 to the Japanese Government on Behalf of the Governments of the United States, the United Kingdom, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and China

[Place]
[Date] August 11, 1945
[Source] Nichibei kankei shiryo-shu 1945-97, pp.13-14DNihon senryo oyobi kanri juyo bunsho-shu, vol.1, gaimusho tokubetsushiryoka-hen, 1949, pp.13-18.
[Notes]
[Full text]

From the moment of surrender, the authority of the Emperor and Japanese Government to rule the state shall be subject to the Supreme Commander of the Allied Powers, who will take such steps as he deems proper to effectuate the surrender terms.

The Emperor will be required to authorize and ensure the signature by the Government of Japan and the Japanese Imperial General Headquarters of the surrender terms necessary to carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and shall issue his commands to all the Japanese military, naval and air authorities and to all the forces under their control wherever located to cease active operations, and to surrender their arms, and to issue such other orders as the Supreme Commander may require to give effect to the surrender terms.

Immediately upon the surrender, the Japanese Government shall transport prisoners of war and civilian internees to places of safety, as directed, where they can quickly be placed aboard Allied transports.

The ultimate form of government of Japan shall, in accordance with the Potsdam Declaration, be established by the freely expressed will of the Japanese people.

The armed forces of the Allied Powers will remain in Japan until the purposes set forth in the Potsdam Declaration are achieved.