Peace Declaration (1982)

One torch ignites another, in unending succession, and still the first torch keeps burning. Thus the 'Spirit of Hiroshima', dedicated to peace, should be shared by all people and handed down to posterity.

The devastation of Hiroshima on that day was an omen of the advent of dark clouds threatening the prospects for the survival of the human race. Having experienced the reality of that threat, Hiroshima has appealed to the world unceasingly for the total abolition of nuclear weapons and for general and complete disarmament.

Yet the nations - with the United States and the Soviet Union in the forefront - continue locked in confrontation. While nuclear weapons steadily proliferate in quantity, doctrines of limited nuclear war and preemptive nuclear attack arise. The human race is now faced with the very great danger of an outbreak of nuclear war.

When Dr. Olof Palme, Chairman of the Independent Commission on Disarmament and Security Issues, and Mr. Sandro Pertini, President of the Republic of Italy, came to Hiroshima, they were horrified to witness the cruelty of the atomic disaster. They expressed their profound fear that there could be neither winner nor loser in a nuclear war.

The governments of nations should seriously consider the unavoidable fact that an aspiration towards the abolition of nuclear arms is growing universally, everywhere in the world. They must not lose a moment in promoting disarmament, and in quickening their pace on the road towards peace.

Critical as this world situation clearly is, the Second Special Session of the United Nations General Assembly devoted to disarmament - to our profound regret - did not reach any agreement on the "Comprehensive Disarmament Programme", for the member states were unable to overcome the barrier of mutual distrust among themselves.

However, the resolution of the First Special Session that the prevention of nuclear war and nuclear disarmament be given the highest priority was reconfirmed by the Second Special Session. Furthermore, agreement was newly reached on launching the "World Disarmament Campaign" with the aim of forming a consensus towards disarmament, and on accepting the Japanese Government's proposal that special research fellows in disarmament should be dispatched to Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

At the Second Special Session the Mayor of Hiroshima offered his testimony of the Hiroshima catastrophe, and appealed for the attainment of the city's aspirations towards peace.

We here repeat the same appeal.

We call most urgently for the immediate and complete banning of nuclear tests, and the freezing of all nuclear weapons stocks, which should ultimately be eradicated.

We also call for the solidarity of cities throughout the world which share a common cause with Hiroshima.

Furthermore, we propose (1) that the leaders of the nuclear powers and other nations should visit Hiroshima to confirm the true nature of the disaster of the atomic bombing; (2) that a Summit Conference on disarmament should be held in Hiroshima; and (3) that an international institute for research on peace and disarmament should be established in Hiroshima.

Hiroshima is not merely a witness of history.

Hiroshima is an everlasting warning for the future of mankind.

If Hiroshima is ever forgotten, it is evident that the evil will be repeated and human history be brought to an end.

Today, on the occasion of the 37th anniversary of the atomic bombing, we devoutly pray for the repose of the souls of the fallen victims. We call urgently on the Japanese Government to promote and strengthen - on the basis of a national indemnity - the relief measures for the atomic bomb survivors still suffering both physically and mentally, and for the bereaved families.

Hiroshima commits itself to continuing the appeal to the world for peace while keeping the torch of peace aflame.

August 6, 1982

Takeshi Araki
Mayor
The City of Hiroshima