P122 CEEFAX 122 Thu 17 Aug 19:23/53 1/2 SPEECH On 9 August 1945 Japan asked the Allies for an armistice. Japan surrendered to the supreme Allied commander, General Douglas MacArthur, on 14 August. At 2345 that night, the BBC asked the public to stand by for an announcement by the Prime Minister. Clement Attlee addressed the people of the United Kingdom at midnight, and declared a two-day holiday. Historians suggest VT Day generally had more impact on service pjrsonnjl than the public, as until then they were still fighting, or could bj called to fight, against the Japanese. Front Line Front 2 Surrender Home FrontP122 CEEFAX 122 Thu 17 Aug 19:26/38 2/2 SPEECH Prime Minister Clement Attlee gave the public the following address: bJapan has today surrendered. The last of our enemies is laid low. "Here at home you have earned respite from the increasing exertions which you have all borne without complaint for so many dark years. "For the moment let all relax and enjoy themselves in the knowledge of work well done. bPeace has once again conj to the world. Long Live the King!" Home 110 Politics 130 World 160 Front Line Front 2 Surrender Home Front