GUAM, Aug. 7, 1945 (UP) - Tokyo radio said today that parachute-borne atomic bombs caused such destruction at Hiroshima Monday that the Japanese still had not learned the full extent of the damage more than 36 hours after the enemy army center became the first target for the most deadly weapon in history.
Official American details of the results of the attack still were a secret, but Japanese broadcasts said the bombs exploded before reaching the ground. Although Washington said one bomb was dropped, enemy reports referred to them in the plural.
Despite the bombardment and radio broadcasts from Allied stations warning Japan of the horrible fate in store for it, there was no immediate indication that the enemy might be considering accepting the Allied surrender terms offered in the tri-power Potsdam ultimatum.
Instead, frantic Japanese home broadcasts asked that the blockaded, bomb battered residents of Japan steel themselves against further use of the new super explosive "since it is presumed that enemy planes will continue to use this new bomb. Authorities will point out measures to cope with it immediately.
"Until these measures are set forth, it is necessary that the people of the nation in general more than ever strengthen their present air defense structure."
There was no indication from American sources when the next attack would be made or whether it would be in greater strength. Possible targets suggested were Tokyo, Nagoya or Osaka, Japan's three largest cities, although they already have been hit by Superfort incendiary raids.
Tokyo radio said the atomic bombs dropped at Hiroshima caused such great devastation that the weapon "is sufficient to brand the enemy in the ages to come as the destroyer of mankind."
The enemy broadcast said the United States, by its use of the bomb, becomes "public enemy number one of social justice."
Tokyo said an investigation is under way into the extent of the destruction. First reports showed a "considerable number of houses demolished while fires broke out in several places."
A broadcast 36 hours after the raid, which was made Monday morning Japan time, said the destructive power of the new weapon "can not be slighted," but claimed that Japan already is working on counter measures.
"The history of wars shows that new weapons, however effective, eventually lose their power as opponents are bound to find methods to nullify its effects," the broadcast said.
Tokyo radio said a small number of American planes dropped a "few" of the new type bombs. President Truman's announcement of the development of the bomb said only one was dropped. Apparently the Japanese did not believe a single plane and a single bomb could cause such destruction.
Tokyo attributed the United States' use of the atomic bomb to impatience over the "slow progress of the enemy's much vaunted invasion of Japan's mainland. In view of the gallant resistance of Japanese forces as exemplified in the battles of Iwo and Okinawa, the enemy's hope for a quick decision in the forthcoming battle for Japan's homeland has been well nigh frustrated.
"In these circumstances, the enemy began to employ a barbaric method as a last desperate resort. By employing a new weapon destined to massacre innocent civilians, the Americans have opened the eyes of the world to their sadistic nature."
Hiroshima's factories turned out arms, munitions, diesel engines, electrical equipment and aircraft. In 1940 it had a population of 343,968. Since Hiroshima never before had been attacked, reconnaissance photos should provide conclusive evidence of the results.
Specially trained air crews are expected to carry the new bombs, but no announcement has been made regarding the type of planes which will be used to sow them over Japan unless the Japanese submit to the Allied surrender ultimatum.
Accurate assessment of the destruction wrought at Hiroshima must await reconnaissance photographs. But Japanese broadcasts reported cancellation of trains into the area as a result of air raid damage. The first photographic planes over the area after the raid were unable to penetrate the dense dust and smoke which covered it.
Text of the Japanese imperial headquarters communiqué on the raid, issued at 3:30 p.m. Japan time:
"1. Considerable damage was caused in Hiroshima city as the result of an attack made by a small number of B-29s yesterday, August 6.
"2. The enemy appears to have employed new type bombs in this attack. However, details now are under investigation."
Tokyo radio also reported that the Japanese cabinet met to discuss transportation of materials from China and other "internal and foreign affairs." These presumably included the atomic bomb raid.
Hiroshima lies 15 miles north of Kure on the Honshu coast of the inland sea. In addition to its place as an industrial center, it also is a port and major communications hub on the main route to Kyushu from Tokyo.
