Since the end of the Second World War, the following disputes have been "settled" by negotiation:

Arab/Israel conflicts that arose from the creation of the State of Israel (1948; 1956; 1967; 1973; 1982).

Korean War (1950 - 1953)

Iran/Iraq War (1980 - 1988)

India/Pakistan in relation to Kashmir (1947; 1965; 1971)

Iraqi Invasion of Kuwait (1990 - 1991)

All the above have failed to create lasting settlements. The Allied leaders during the Second World War were absolutely adamant that victory could only be achieved by the unconditional surrender of the Axis Powers - they were right.

Little Hawk's contention that a blockade would have worked is no doubt true - given time. Those who had fought through the Pacific campaigns, and in south-east Asia, knew that they did not have that time. The Americans had been warned by Churchill about Stalinist Russia at Tehran and Yalta, finally realised who they were dealing with at Potsdam. There was no way in creation that they were going to allow the USSR any say in the shape and form of a post-war Japan.