[Wiseghy]

Nope. Can’t say I buy this. Every serious historian who has looked into this agrees that Japan was nowhere near surrendering.

In fact, they nearly did not surrender after the first two atomic attacks, with the military almost succeeding in confiscating the Emperor’s announcement recording before it was broadcast.

Japan’s military government could not come to consensus on surrender, especially the non-conditional surrender demanded by the Allies. They have prepared very, very strong defenses of core islands, expecting a miracle to save them or to die with honor intact.

[PeterPrinciple]

Nope. Can’t say I buy this.
—
Note that the source is a transcription of a survey requested by Truman. My quote is taken out of context but it is the summary of the survey. I would not have come to that conclusion from the evidence presented. I don’t buy it either except that it may have been political or else there was some regret at the use of it. If you went on site and saw the devastation, it would have to influence your thinking if you didn’t consider the big picture which the survey DOES NOT.

Just as all don’t agree with the decision now, many did not then either. Pretty clear in my view that the use of the bomb saved lives.

[PeterPrinciple]

In reviewing the report again, Noticed the following:

“The present report was prepared by the Chairman’s Office under the editorship of Commander Walter Wilds, USNR. “

Would there be some inter service rivalry evident in the report which was quite common then and in my opinion a good thing? Competition is good even in the military.