Photo/Illutration The Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima’s Naka Ward. Photo taken on Oct. 12, 2024 (Asahi Shimbun file photo)

Fleet Adm. William Leahy (1875-1959) served as U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s chief of staff during World War II.

In his postwar memoirs published in 1950, he condemned the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, noting that “the use of this barbarous weapon was of no material assistance in our war against Japan.”

Many Americans believe the bombings hastened the end of the war and saved countless lives. But Leahy obviously had other thoughts.

The interpretation of historical facts is never simple. Leahy pointed out, “The Japanese were already defeated (by a naval blockade and conventional bombs) and ready to surrender.”

Now, how about this comment by U.S. President Donald Trump?

Gloating over the recent bombing of Iran’s nuclear facilities, he declared, “I don’t want to use an example of Hiroshima. I don’t want to use an example of Nagasaki. But that was essentially the same thing. That ended the war.”

I took this to understand that Trump justifies the use of those heinous weapons. The sheer crudeness of his “law of might,” which is without even the slightest trace of sensitivity to history, takes my breath away.

The Japanese government has responded with the chief Cabinet secretary’s comment to the effect, “We are aware of (Trump’s) remark.”

Tokyo’s surreal “consideration” for Washington is beyond ridiculous.

The U.S. attack against Iran was in clear violation of international law. It went ahead without a shred of evidence of an imminent threat posed by Iran’s nuclear development, not to mention that the matter was never referred to the United Nations.

The rule of law is fundamental to peace. When that collapses, the very foundations of our society suffer massive damage.

Referring to the huge civilian toll in the atomic bombings, Leahy observed, “In being the first to use it, we had adopted an ethical standard common to the barbarians of the Dark Ages.”

Who are the barbarians of our present era?

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 28

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.

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