By DM Maldonado
Los Alamos

This information was new to me and is submitted for your consideration. The protesters undoubtedly will need to know what genteel efforts were taken to spare life and end the “useless war.”

This link is courtesy of the Los Alamos Historical Society: https://time.com/4142857/wwii-leaflets-japan/?fbclid=IwAR2BIaMWsMsRzJrGOnteRtpDI9lrVbXiJZGTxdILi3ucpE4Acp3UFe9dtEE

America asks that you take immediate heed of what we say on this leaflet.

We are in possession of the most destructive explosive ever devised by men. A single one of our newly developed atomic bombs is actually the equivalent in explosive power to what 2000 of our giant B-29’s can carry on a single mission. This awful fact is one for you to ponder and we solemnly assure you it is grimly accurate.

We have just begun to use this weapon against your homeland. If you still have any doubt, make inquiry as to what happened to Hiroshima when just one atomic bomb fell on that city.

Before using this bomb to destroy every resource of the military by which they are prolonging this useless war, we ask that you now petition the Emperor to end the war. Our President has outlined for you the thirteen consequences of an honorable surrender: We urge that you accept these consequences and begin the work of building a new, better, and peace-loving Japan.

You should take steps now to cease military resistance. Otherwise, we shall resolutely employ this bomb and all other superior weapons to promptly and forcefully end the war.

EVACUATE YOUR CITIES

Editor’s note: This is the original letter submitted to the Post, we have removed our edited version.