At the meeting of June 18, '45 the invasion plan for Japan was discussed. General Marshall's plan was approved.
We were approaching an experiment with the atom explosion. I was informed that event would take place within a possible thirty days.
I then suggested that after that experimental test of the fission of the atom, that we give Japan a chance to stop the war by a surrender. That plan was followed. Japan refused to surrender and the bomb was dropped on two targets after which event the surrender took place.
Following the decision referred to in the last memo, when the message arrived informing us of the successful explosion of the experimental atom bomb at Los Alamos, Sec. Stinson, Gen. Marshall, Adm. Leahy, Sec. Byrnes, Gen. Arnold and one or two others came into my office at the Potsdam White House and we discussed the proposed ultimatum talked about on June 18th.
After some discussion it was decided to send the message from Potsdam. Of course Chiang had to be informed and asked to join with Pr. Min. Churchill and myself. The message was sent both by air and through Sweden and Switzerland I'm sure. We had nothing in reply but the radio statement refusing to surrender.
I am not informed at all on the last question. It is probably a Monday morning quarterback affair after the game was over.
H.S.T.