Seventy years ago, on July 26, 1945, the United States, China and Britain issued the Potsdam Declaration, which set the terms of Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. It warned Japan of the imminent and total destruction of their country if the terms of capitulation were not accepted. It explained the need to oust Japan‘s „self-willed militaristic advisers“ and demanded the permanent eradication of „the authority and influence of those who have deceived and misled the people of Japan into embarking on world conquest.“ It required unconditional surrender and explained that Japan would be occupied, de-militarized and purged of „all war criminals.“