Japan exhibits original document of WWII Instrument of Surrender

The original Instrument of Surrender of Japan's surrender to the Allied Forces in World War II is shown at an exhibition held by the Japanese Foreign Ministry . [Photo/IC]

TOKYO - The Japanese Foreign Ministry has in its diplomatic documents museum launched an exhibition of the original Instrument of Surrender of Japan's surrender to the Allied Forces in World War II, the first show of the original document in 20 years.

The exhibition, which started Monday, will last till Sept 12.

The Instrument of Surrender was signed on US warship USS Missouri at Tokyo Bay by Mamoru Shigemitsu who was on behalf of the Emperor of Japan and the Japanese government and Yoshijiro Umezu who was on behalf of Japanese Imperial General Headquarters on Sept 2, 1945.

The Instrument of Surrender said Japan proclaimed "unconditional surrender" to the Allied Powers which include the United States, China, Britain and Soviet Union.

The document also said that the Emperor, the Japanese Government and their successors should "carry out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration in good faith".

The Potsdam Declaration was signed by China, the United States and Britain in the German city of Potsdam and it stated that their military power was "poised to strike the final blows upon Japan" and would "prosecute the war against Japan until she ceases to exist".

The proclamation is one of the important legal documents signed at the end of WWII and played a key role in safeguarding peace and stability and preventing resurrection of militarism in the Asia Pacific region over the past seven decades.

The proclamation outlined the terms for Japan's unconditional surrender, which includes the following points:

Firstly, "there must be eliminated for all time the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest."

Secondly, "points in Japanese territory to be designated by the Allies should be occupied to secure the achievement of the basic objectives" set forth by then top US, Chinese and Britain leaders, until the establishment of a new order and destruction of Japan's war-making power.

Thirdly, the terms of the 1943 Cairo Declaration setting goals for the post-war order "shall be carried out and Japanese sovereignty shall be limited to the Islands of Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, Shikoku and such minor islands as we (the Allied leaders) determine."

And fourthly, "stern justice shall be meted out to all war criminals, including those who have visited cruelties upon our prisoners."

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII and many countries like Britain and Russia had held commemorative events. China will also hold a parade on Thursday to commemorate the event.