‘It wasn’t necessary to hit them with that awful thing’ — Why dropping the A-Bombs was wrong

Published August 8, 2013 4:00am ET



Based on a detailed investigation of all the facts and supported by the testimony of the surviving Japanese leaders involved, it is the Survey’s opinion that certainly prior to 31 December 1945 and in all probability prior to 1 November 1945, Japan would have surrendered even if the atomic bombs had not been dropped, even if Russia had not entered the war, and even if no invasion had been planned or contemplated.

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