On June 30 , Tōgō told Naotake Satō , Japan 's ambassador in Moscow , to try to establish " firm and lasting relations of friendship . " Satō was to discuss the status of Manchuria and " any matter the Russians would like to bring up . " Well aware of the overall situation and cognizant of their promises to the Allies , the Soviets responded with delaying tactics to encourage the Japanese without promising anything . Satō finally met with Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov on July 11 , but without result . On July 12 , Tōgō directed Satō to tell the Soviets that : The Emperor proposed sending Prince Konoe as a special envoy , although he would be unable to reach Moscow before the Potsdam Conference
Potsdam Conference
Potsdam Conference
Surrender of Japan