P1b2 CJKFAX 122 -hu 17 Aug 19:1v/24 1/2 SPEECH On 9 August 1945 Japan asked the Allies for an armistice. Japbn surrendered to the supreme Allied commander, General Douglas MacArthur, on 14 August. At 2345 that night, the BBC asked the public to stand bz 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 VJ Day generally had more impact on service pjrsonnjl than the public, as until then they were still fighting, or could bj called to fightL against the Vapbnjsj.a ]L Front Line Front 2 Surrender Home FrontP1b2 CJJFAX 122 Thu 17 Aug 19:16/17 2/2 SPEECH Prime Minister Clement Attlee gave the public the following address: "Japan 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. bFor the moment let all relax and enjoy themselves in the knowledge of work well done. "Peace has once again conj to the world. Long Live the King!" Home 11p Politics 130 World 160 Front Line Front 2 Surrender Home Front