That is an interesting question, isn't it? And you're absolutely correct. If Japan hadn't surrendered in 1945, by 1946 hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of people would have starved to death. The 1945 harvest was extremely poor. The mining paralyzed the coastal shipping that was Japan's main transportation system, and the Air Force's next target was going to be the rail system. Japan had no real highway network at that time. There would have been little food and no way to get it to the cities anyway.
As it was, even after Japan surrendered it was saved from mass starvation only by huge quantities of food supplied by the U.S. at the insistence of MacArthur.
But all that apperently would have been okay according to some because they would have died of "natural" causes and not radiation from the evil bomb.
Topic shift...discovered some of your comments on a past thread here at FR.
ARTIFICIAL SWEETENERS - the dark underside of the Ghost Fleet deal
Navy Times...Ghost Fleet case heads to court in July
A soap opera for yours truly...
Spent a good chunk of coin and time with MARAD over the phone.
At least I did get an invite to come down....the James Annex command offered me a boatride out to TAO-191's berth for a photo op.
I did learn that TAO-191 was in good shape..although there was an issue with engine vibration and shafts.
TAO-191 was a done deal sale to Chile....13 Million I think... a steal/bargain..whatever..then the deal collpased.
Maybe the **Money from NY blocked that via Congress.
The fine print says TAO-191 must be completed in U.S...then can be sold to a NATO org nation.
Guess Able UK was going to go that route.
Was glad when I learned of the Chile sale...
US Isherwood DD-520 went to Peru in the early 60's..plucky can stayed around in service till early 80's....a good chunk of time for a Tin can from WW-2.
400 Million for Isherwood and Eckford....wondering if MARAD is going to get investigated over this..or if the Environmental pressure concerning the other rusting hulks on the James will force the Navy/Gov to do whatever it takes...** alter legislation to be rid of the problem.....eat the 400 Million loss.
Some of the other Kaiser oilers have been decommisioned....some require upgrade to be returned to active status.
Then the debate...ie..why are US Warships putting into Terror nation ports for refueling?..ie.Cole/Yemen.
Did some googling..guess the Navy is not ready to say there is a oiler shortage for the fleets.
Allthought they do comment on heavy lift capability shortage.
Am hopeing TAO 191 will be finished for sale to someone.
I do not beleive TAO 191 is double hulled..I think a few Kaisers in service presently are....3?...Rappahanock....others.
Well said GN.