BY KYLE HUTCHISON

NEWJERSEYNEWSROOM.COM

NEWS HISTORY

The weather report for September 2, 1945 in Newark, New Jersey was cloudy in the morning but by the afternoon the sun would be shining. The weather report created a metaphor for what was about to occur that day.

On September 2, 1945, the Japanese signed their unconditional surrender thus ending World War II. It will forever be known as V-J (victory in Japan) Day.

The clouds of war were blown away and replaced with the shining sun of peace, and retribution.

In the document, the Allied Powers had eight separate conditions the Japanese were required to meet after they signed it.

1. The Japanese accept this treaty in the place of the Emperor, Japanese government and Japanese General Headquarters.

2. Japan proclaims their unconditional surrender.

3. The Japanese forces will cease any hostilities and turn over command to Allied commanders.

4. The Japanese General Headquarters must send out word to all Japanese forces to surrender immediately.

5. All of the Japanese forces must obey the Supreme commander of the Allied forces, and will remain at their post and perform their non-combative duties unless relieved.

6. Japanese leaders must put this treaty into action immediately and obey any orders given by the supreme commander of the Allied forces.

7. All prisoners of war whether they be civilian or military personnel, must be freed immediately.

8. The power of the emperor and government of Japan will be given to the supreme commander of the Allied forces to fulfill everything necessary for the surrender.

The signing of their surrender took place on the USS Missouri. General MacArthur was named the Supreme Commander of the Allied Forces and would oversee the surrender and disarmament of the Japanese forces.

In attendance of this historic event was Admiral William Halsey Jr. who was born in Elizabeth, New Jersey.

Also found below the feature story was an article that detailed the torture and crimes against humanity that occurred to prisoners of war in Japan.

The article comes from the Sunday issue of the Star-Ledger. Founded in 1832 as the Newark Daily Advertiser they experienced many name changes, but remain the most circulated paper in New Jersey today.