Hiroshima survivors want Obama to apologize

Quote:

A group representing Japanese survivors of U.S. atomic bombings urged President Barack Obama to hear their stories and apologize when he visits Hiroshima next week. Two leaders of the Tokyo-based nationwide group told a news conference Thursday that many survivors still want an apology, though they have long avoided an outright demand for one out of fear that it would be counterproductive.

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I am sympathetic, but I think they should be more upset with the Japanese government for starting the war and then refusing to surrender. Even in hindsight, dropping the bombs was the right move; it minimized casualties. Without the bombs, the US most definitely would have invaded Japan, resulting in many more casualties than happened because of the bombs.

Before anyone suggests that the Japanese were ready to surrender. No, they were not. At least not with terms that were remotely acceptable. And there is solid evidence supporting this. In the form of communications between the Japanese ambassador to the Soviet Union (Sato) and the Japanese Foreign Minister (Togo) where the ambassador laid out that unconditional surrender with the possible exception of keeping the emperor was the best that Japan could hope for and Togo rejecting it. Furthermore, the US knew the Japanese position at the time given it had broken their codes.

Truman, in my opinion, without any doubt made the right call.

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