Japan: From Surrender to Peace

The six years between the surrender of Japan on September 2, 1945, and the signing of a Treaty of Peace in San Francisco on September 8, 1951 between Japan and forty-eight of the nations with which she was at war, was a period unique in the history of international affairs. Throughout those six years Japan was occupied by the Allied Powers. Because of what was accomplished during that occupation under the wise leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, it was possible to conclude a peace which showed no trace of angry passion; a peace of reconciliation, not of vengeance. From its inception the Occupation of Japan was inspired by high moral principles, was governed by the magnanimity that comes from true strength and was carried out in a calm and purposeful manner. Japan's war-making power was destroyed and the influence of those who committed her to armed con­ quest eliminated. Oppressive laws and restrictive practices were removed and guaranties established for freedom of speech, religion and thought and respect for fundamental human rights.