May 8, 1945 – United Nations leaders with Russia notably absent- -today paid tribute to victory in Europe. Representatives of the U.S. France, Great Britain and China gathered in the San Francisco Memorial opera house for a brief ceremony marking Germany’s unconditional surrender. A Russian spokesman said that the Soviet abstained from the ceremony because, so far as they knew officially, hostilities were still in progress and blood was still being shed. It was presumed Foreign Commissar V. M.Molotov, invited to participate in the ceremony, stayed away because Marshal Stalin has not yet announced the victory. Secretary of State Edward R. Stettinius Jr., Foreign Secretary Anthony Eden, Foreign Minister Georges Bidault and Wellington Koo, represented the four nations. A fifth chair, was beside their places on platform, but vacant – presumably reserved for Molotov.
With the capitulation of Germany however, the end for Japan also may not be as far off as once thought. Japanese air strength after the Iwo Jima campaign ended was estimated at approximately 3500 planes. The Japanese used obsolete models at Okinawa. Conservative estimation indicates some 3000 Japanese planes have been destroyed during the past two months. Heavy Superfortress attacks on Japan have reduced seriously the enemy’s ability to replace aircraft.
It is doubtful whether Japan has 1000 first line planes left. Japan is in similar dire straits with regard to shipping. It has depleted within the past three years until probably only two million tons are left.
Here are those opening statements from representatives of the U.S., China, Great Britain and France. The recording ends abruptly after Bidault’s address in French so it’s not included here.
