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8
december 1941
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 implications to 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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