Beschreibung:

Lot of 7 dispatches, all on US Naval Communications Service, but from various branches. 7 x 8 in. Earliest is 14 July 1945, with note not to be released before 4 August. Chester Nimitz congratulates the Coast Guard Commandant on the 155th Anniversary of the Coast Guard and praises the many ways the Coast Guard is serving in the current conflict. "...[T]he Coast Guard is living up to the spirit of its motto quote Semper Paratus unquote - Always Ready - and is adding new luster to its brave and brilliant history...." In a message date 9 August 1945 with two manuscript "All Hands!" notations: "Less than an hour ago an announcement was made through BBC London that the Soviet Union had declared War against the Japanese Empire as of 9 August 1945. President Truman announced in Washington that Russia had declared war against Japan." This was 3 days after "Little Boy" was dropped on Hiroshima, and the same day "Fat Man" fell on Nagasaki. One suspects that the Russians thought Japan would surrender, and, to be included at the surrender negotiations, they had to declare war on the empire. Radio Chungking, 12 August 1945: "The most momentuous [sic] week in the history of mankind since the birth of Christ has just been complete. On Sunday the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. For the first time in the history of the world atomic power has been released." "On Monday the news of the atomic bomb was announced to the world. "On Tuesday Pres. Truman returned from the Potsdam Conference. "On Wednesday Russia declared war on Japan. "On Thursday the second atomic bomb was dropped and Japan was asked to surrender by the United Nations. "On Friday the Japanese government offered to surrender if they could keep their emperor. "On Saturday we accepted Japanese terms if they agree to let the Allied Supreme Commander rule Japan throughout and have the Emperor under their control." On 18 August: "The following message has been received from the right honorable Peter Fraser Prime Minister of New Zealand and is transmitted for information of all hands. 'The government and people of New Zealand are conscious at this moment of victory of the great contribution made by you and all ranks of the United States Navy.... The Navy has been the sure shield of the Freedom not only for your people but of all the democratic people in the Pacific. To all ranks under your command we extend our warmest congratulations.'" 16 August 1945, two page dispatch: "To the men and the women of the United States Navy United Stated Marine Corps and the United States Coast Guard Quote the day of final victory has at last arrived. Japan has surrendered. Her fleet which once boasted that it would drive us from the seas has been destroyed. The United States Naval Services play a major role in this mighty triumph. Therefore we observe this hour with a special pride and satisfaction in our achievements." "Especially do we remember the debt we owe the thousands of our comrades of the Navy the Marine Corps and Coast Guard who are absent today because they gave their lives to reestablish a world in which free peoples might live. Our Sympathies go out to their relatives and friends. At the same time we extend thanks and appreciation to our companion services of the Army and to the Gallant Allies who fought beside us and the the millions of people on the homefront who supported us with their labors and their prayers..." "I am proud to have served with every one of you. Signed Ernest J King Fleet Admiral United States Navy." From CINCPOA, 24 August 1945: "With pride and satisfaction in the performance of the forces of my command the following message from King George the Sixth is repeated to you. 'As always the British forces serving in the Pacific Fleet have displayed the skill courage and tenacity that characterizes the British Navy.... It is a source of pride to me that my fleets have under your inspired leadership played their part in operations which will ever be acclaimed by history a