Saturday marks the 69th anniversary of the July 26, 1945 Potsdam Proclamation demanding Japan's unconditional surrender to the Allies at the end of World War II, in the wake of its wartime aggression.

The statement, issued by China, the United States and Britain in the German city of Potsdam, 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 declaration also 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 U.S., 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."

On the other hand, The Potsdam Proclamation also offered Japan the permission to "maintain such industries as to sustain her economy," and "exaction of just reparations in kind."

It also said occupying forces of the Allies shall be withdrawn as soon as the relevant objectives have been accomplished.

The Potsdam Proclamation, in the end, demanded that the then Japanese government immediately proclaim the unconditional surrender of all Japanese armed forces, adding that the alternative for Japan then would be "prompt and utter destruction".

Japan declared its acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam Proclamation on August 14, and signed the Instrument of Surrender on September 2. Endi

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