On December 8, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt came before
the United States Congress with an urgent speech. In the following text, he said, "Yesterday,
December 7, 1941 - a date that 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 we will 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."
the United States Congress with an urgent speech. In the following text, he said, "Yesterday,
December 7, 1941 - a date that 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 we will 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."