It was to spare the Japanese people from utter
destruction that the ultimatum of July 26 was issued at
Potsdam. Their leaders promptly rejected that
ultimatum.
If they do not now accept our terms they may expect a
rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been
seen on this earth. Behind this air attack will follow sea
and land forces in such numbers and power as they have
not yet seen and with the fighting skill of which they are
already well aware.
-President Harry Truman, Aug. 6, 1945
What is Truman's purpose in delivering this speech?
•to apologize to Japan for using an atomic bomb
•to announce the terms of the Potsdam Declaration
•to force Japan to leave the Philippines
•to threaten Japan with further attacks if it fails to
surrender