Diplomatic Relations

Mexico recognizes the Spanish Republican Government as the legitimate government of Spain.

Hong Kong

A British naval squadron under Rear-Adm Cecil Harcourt re-occupies the colony. PoWs are liberated.

Japan

The 11th Airborne Div flies in to Atsugi airfield, while the 4th Marine Regiment of the 6th Div lands in the naval base at Yokosuka. MacArthur flies in from Manila and makes Yokosuka his Supreme Allied Command headquarters. The occupation of Japan in force has begun.

Images from August 30, 1945

Hong Kong re-occupied, 30 August 1945

Hong Kong re-occupied

Gen R. L. Eichelberger, at right, with Maj-Gen J. M. Swing, Commander, 11th Airborne Division, receives the report of Japanese officers at Atsugi airfield, during the initial landings.

Report of Japanese Officers

General Eichelberger greets General MacArthur at Atsugi airfield.

Eichelberger and MacArthur at Atsugi

Marines go ashore for initial occupation of Japanese facilities, probably near Yokosuka, circa 30 August 1945. Taken by a USS Iowa (BB-61) photographer. (Credit: Naval Historical Center)

Marines Go Ashore near Yokosuka

Yokosuka Navy Base, Japan. A Japanese working party rigs the gangway as USS San Diego (CL-53) docks at Yokosuka on 30 August 1945, to take part in the US occupation of that facility. (Credit: Naval Historical Center)

US Occupies Yokosuka

General of the Army Douglas MacArthur, US Army (second from right) with other senior Army officers, upon his arrival at Atsugi airfield, near Tokyo, Japan, 30 August 1945. Among those present are: Major General Joseph M. Swing, Commanding General, 11th Airborne Division, (left); Lieutenant General Richard K. Sutherland (3rd from right); General Robert L. Eichelberger (right). Aircraft in the background is a Douglas C-54. (Credit: Naval Historical Center)

MacArthur at Atsugi

Yokosuka Naval Base, Japan. Rear Admiral Robert B. Carney, US Third Fleet Chief of Staff, at the surrender of the Yokosuka Naval base to US forces, 30 August 1945. He received the surrender on behalf of the US Navy. (Credit: Naval Historical Center)

Yokosuka Surrenders to US Navy

Brigadier General William T. Clement, USMC (left), Fleet Admiral Chester W. Nimitz, USN (center) and Admiral William F. Halsey, USN (right) Go over plans at the Yokosuka Naval Hospital, which had been taken over for treatment of released Allied prisoners of war, 30 August 1945. (Credit: Naval Historical Center)

Plans for the Yokosuka Naval Hospital