RE: First atomic bomb - 58 years ago today

["NIXON, Grant (Kanata)" <GNIXON@MDS.Nordion.com>]

I concede on the point of Nagasaki being deemed an important target - it was

designated as an alternate, secondary target by General Spaatz days prior to

the drop despite it having not even being assigned AA or even A target

status. This point was also made very clear by Rick Strickert.



I'm not sure about the ultimate fate of the leaflets - someone should clear

up this point with a reference to them. We note that the final terms offered

to the Japanese in the Potsdam declaration on 26 July did not contain any

reference to the atom bomb but simply warned the Japanese of the

consequences of continued resistance. The Japanese had standing orders to

kill POWs if the overthrow of their positions was imminent. Given that, and

given the possibility of using POWs as human shields, it seems unlikely that

leaflets were issued, at least not prior to the Hiroshima bombing.



Grant



-----Original Message-----

From: Minnema, Douglas [mailto:Douglas.Minnema@nnsa.doe.gov]

Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 12:18 PM

To: 'Borisky, Michael (Civ, ARL/CoS)'; Richard Orthen; NIXON, Grant

(Kanata); Radiation Safety

Subject: RE: First atomic bomb - 58 years ago today







It was my understanding that leaflets were dropped for a few days before the

bombings, but it's always hard to discern the truth after 58 years.

Regardless, the leaflets did exist, and about 5 years ago Bruce Busby posted

on his old website a copy of the leaflet along with a translation provided

by Tosh Ushino.  This was discussed on this list at that time.  I still have

a copy that I printed from that site, but since Bruce left the University of

Michigan the old web address is no longer correct.



If either Bruce or Tosh are still here on the list, perhaps they can tell us

if the file is still available somewhere for those interested.



>From my recollection of the books I have read, Nagasaki was a legitimate

target based on its port facilities and its industries, but it has been too

long ago for me to remember the details.  I used to have access to the

original bomb assessment reports done by the Army of both cities after the

war, and if I have time I will see if I can find them again.  Those were

very interesting, and would certainly contain the information as to what the

Army considered significant targets at the time.



Doug Minnema, Ph.D., CHP

National Nuclear Security Administration

<Douglas.Minnema@nnsa.doe.gov>



what few thoughts i have are truly my own...



-----Original Message-----

From: Borisky, Michael (Civ, ARL/CoS) [mailto:mborisky@arl.army.mil]

Sent: Thursday, August 07, 2003 10:12 AM

To: Richard Orthen; NIXON, Grant (Kanata); Radiation Safety

Subject: RE: First atomic bomb - 58 years ago today





Does any one know if the U.S. dropped leaflets in advance to warn the

Japanease civilians what was coming so they would have a chance to get

out.  I've been told the U.S. did.





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