After a day of false alarms and weary waiting, the great news was flashed to the world in simultaneous announcements on Tuesday midnight from London, Washington and Moscow. The Prime Minister, Mr Atlee, broadcasting at midnight said.

"Japan has today surrendered; the last of our enemies is laid low." Here is the text of the Japanese reply to the Allied command:-

"With reference to the announcement on August 10th regarding the acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration and the reply of the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, the Soviet Union and China, sent by Secretary of State Byrne on the date of August 11th, the Japanese Government has the honour to reply to the Governments of the Four Powers as follows:-

(1) His Majesty, the Emperor has issued an Imperial Rescript regarding Japans acceptance of the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration.

(2) His Majesty the Emperor is prepared to authorise and insure the signature by his Government and the Imperial Headquarters of the necessary terms for carrying out the provisions of the Potsdam Declaration.

(3) His Majesty is also prepared to issue this communication to all military, naval, and air authorities to issue to all forces under their control, wherever located, to cease active resistance and to surrender arms.''

"Their resistance has now everywhere been broken. At this time we should pay tribute to the men of this country, from the Dominions, from India, and the Colonies to our Fleets, Armies, and Air Forces that have fought so well in the campaign against Japan. Our gratitude goes out to all our splendid Allies and above all to the United States without whose prodigious efforts this war in the Far East would still have many years to run. We also think especially at this time of the prisoners in Japanese hands, of our fiends in the Dominions of Australia and New Zealand, in India and Burma, and in the Colonial Territories upon which the brunt of the Japanese attack fell. We rejoice that these territories will soon be purged of the Japanese invader. Here at home you have earned rest from the unceasing you have borne without complaint through so many dark years. Government lead in the matter of victory holidays will be followed and that tomorrow (Wednesday ) and Thursday will everywhere be treated as days of holidays. When we return to work on Friday morning we must turn again to the great tasks before us. But for the moment let all who can relax and enjoy themselves in the knowledge of work well done."

"Peace has once again come to the world. Let us thank God for this great deliverance and his mercy. Long live the King."

After Mr. Attlee's announcement the National Anthems of the four nations, Britain, United States, Soviet Union, and China were played and then followed a short religious service.

Copied From The Pontefract and Castleford Express August 17th 1945