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Yesterday, Dec. 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 the American Island of Oahu, the Japanese
ambassador to the United States and his colleagues delivered to our
Secretary of State a formal reply to a recent American message. And
while this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the
existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of
war or of 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. I
regret to tell you that 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.
- And this morning, the Japanese attacked Midway
Island.
- Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise
offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of
yesterday and today 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.
- That always will our whole nation 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 that 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 it very certain
that this form of treachery shall never endanger us again.
Hostilities exist. There is no blinking at the fact that that our
people, our territory, and our interests are in grave danger. With
confidence in our armed forces - with the unbounding 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 7,
1941, a state of war has existed between the United States and the
Japanese Empire.
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