740.00116 PW/8–1145

Memorandum by the Special War Problems Division to the Chairman of the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee ( Dunn )

Subject: Japanese protest received by the Department of State in a memorandum dated August 11, 1945 from the Swiss Legation in charge of Japanese interests in the United States with the exception of Hawaii, concerning the alleged bombing on August 6, 1945 with “bombs of a new type” by United States airplanes of the town of Hiroshima (Japan).

Problem: Should a reply be made to this Japanese protest? If so, what should be the nature of the reply?

Recommendations: 86

(1)
That the receipt of the Swiss memorandum be merely acknowledged.
(2)
That no reply be made to this Japanese protest in view of the events which have transpired since the receipt of this note from the Swiss Legation.
(3)
That no publicity whatsoever be given to the receipt of this protest from the Japanese Government.

  1. In memorandum SWNCC–3301, September 24, the State–War–Navy Coordinating Committee accepted the three recommendations of September 5.