Foreign Relations of the United States: Diplomatic Papers, The Conference of Berlin (The Potsdam Conference), 1945, Volume II

Department of the Army Files: Telegram

No. 1313
The Secretary of War (Stimson) to the President

top secret
urgent

Washington, 30 July 1945.¹

War 41011. To the President from the Secretary of War.

The time schedule on Groves’ project is progressing so rapidly that it is now essential that statement for release by you be available not later than Wednesday, 1 August. I have revised draft of statement, which I previously presented to you,² in light of

(a) Your recent ultimatum,³

(b) Dramatic results of test and

(c) Certain minor suggestions made by British⁴ of which Byrnes is aware.

While I am planning to start a copy by special courier tomorrow in the hope you can be reached, nevertheless in the event he does not reach you in time, I will appreciate having your authority to have White House release revised statement as soon as necessary.⁵

Sorry circumstances seem to require this emergency action.

1. Stimson had left Babelsberg on July 25 and had returned to Washington.
2. The draft referred to has not been found.
3. Document No. 1382.
4. Not printed.
5. For the text of the statement as issued by the White House in Washington on August 6, see document No. 1315. Concerning the military orders issued from the Conference for the atomic attack on Japan, see Craven and Cate, eds., The Army Air Forces in World War II vol. v, facsimile facing p. 697 and chapter 23.