Byrnes responded, his brow wrinkled with concern. "As of yesterday, we thought we had a deal with the Japs. The Swedish government, acting as an intermediary, informed us that Hirohito and Premier Suzuki's government had accepted the terms of the Potsdam Declaration, which required them to agree to unconditional surrender. Their radio even warned the Japanese people that a major announcement would be broadcast at noon their time. It now appears that a bunch of fanatic young officers have seized the palace and kidnapped Hirohito. When the noon radio announcement was made, it said nothing about surrender. War Minister Anami, who alleged to be acting on Hirohito's behalf, called for continued resistance and made reference to using the entire population of Japan as human weapons against the United States should we be so foolish as to invade. Anami also said that the rumors of surrender were false and made by officials in the government who had treasonably conspired to act on behalf of an unknowing emperor."

Byrnes shook his head in dismay. "Sir, this was not wholly unexpected. There were many factions in the Japanese government and military who were opposed to any surrender, and they have taken control of both the government and the emperor."

"We were so close," Truman muttered. "So damned close. We were even willing to let them keep their emperor, even though most of the United States would like to see the little bastard hanged. Didn't they understand they could keep Hirohito?"

Byrnes nodded grimly. "I've spoken with the Japanese experts at State and they've informed me that the Jap hierarchy knows full well that Hirohito gets to stay. The problem, as they see it, runs much deeper. It really goes to the fact that their culture and values are so different from ours that we, in their eyes, might as well be from another planet."

Adm. Ernest King's voice was a snarl. "If they don't surrender and do it soon, they may well be blasted to another planet."