Why did the Allies issue this statement at Potsdam?
A.
to protect Japan's political and economic institutions
B.
to establish individual spheres of influence in Japan
C.
to respect the sovereignty of the Japanese people
D.
to avoid the human cost associated with invading Japan
The Allies issued the statement at Potsdam primarily to communicate their intentions regarding Japan's future after World War II, particularly in the context of Japan's surrender. The most fitting answer to why they issued this statement would be:
D. to avoid the human cost associated with invading Japan.
The Potsdam Declaration called for Japan's unconditional surrender and outlined the terms for peace, emphasizing the desire to avoid further loss of life, which was a significant concern given the potential casualties of a full-scale invasion of the Japanese mainland.