(October 9, 2013 at 9:31 am)Chas Wrote:(October 9, 2013 at 7:17 am)Brakeman Wrote: No the atomic bombing was not justified because the Japanese regime was already suing for peace, just not accepting unconditional surrender yet and it was not a strong military target. It was on the edge of being justified though, as it was not targeting the women and children.
That's a misleading description.
The Japanese Supreme Council for the Direction of the War was making secret overtures with the Soviet Union for an advantageous end to the war.
There is no evidence this was known to the U.S.
This is derailing the thread, as the historical argument of the Japanese surrender was not germane to the point I was making. However, when looking at history, I always advise to read both the loser and the winner's accounts, as the winners accounts are always first taken at face value. I've been to Truman's library and read his accounts, but I have also read some of the accounts from the Japanese which differ greatly. The truth is surely somewhere in between, but I would bet my money on the Japanese accounts here. I don't have links, as it was in college before the internet. but maybe I'll look back into it if my busy schedule ever allows it.
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