Yesterday, December 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the
United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval
and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation
of Japan, was still in conversation with its Government and its Emperor
looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour
after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese
Ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to the
Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. While
this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing
diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed
attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it
obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks
ago. During the intervening time the Japanese Government has
deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and
expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to
American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been
lost. In addition American ships have been reported torpedoed on the
high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese Government also launched an attack against
Malaya. Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong. Last night
Japanese forces attacked Guam. Last night Japanese forces attacked the
Philippine Islands. Last night the Japanese attacked Wake Island. This
morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending
throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday speak for
themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their
opinions and well understand the implicationsto the very life and safety
of our nation.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Army and Navy, I have directed that all
measures be taken for our defense.
Always will we remember the character of the onslaught against us. No
matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion,
the American people in their righteous might will win through to
absolute victory.
I believe I interpret the will of the Congress and of the people when I
assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the uttermost but will
make very certain that this form of treachery shall never endanger us
again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that our people, our
territory and our interests are in grave danger.
With confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounded determination
of our people - we will gain the inevitable triumph - so help us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly
attack by Japan on Sunday, December seventh, a state of war has existed
between the United States and the Japanese Empire.
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