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The British, Chinese, and United States Governments have given the Japanese people adequate warning of what is in store for them. We have laid down the general terms on which they can surrender. Our warning went unheeded; our terms were rejected. Since then the Japanese have seen what our atomic bomb can do. They can foresee what it will do in the future.

Harry S. Truman#34

WarTrumanJustificationSurrenderWarfare

About this quote

What does it mean?
Truman justifies the use of the atomic bomb by stating Japan rejected peaceful surrender terms after clear warnings.
In plain terms
We warned Japan to surrender but they refused so we used the bomb.
What can you take from it?
Clear warnings must precede severe consequences.

Where it applies

  • military conflict
  • negotiations
  • international policy

Putting it to work

  • issue clear ultimatums
  • document rejections

Questions to consider

  • When is force justified after warnings fail?
  • Who decides what counts as adequate warning?

Another view

The moral weight of civilian casualties is not addressed.

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