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 the American island of Oahu, the Japanese
Ambassador to the United States and his college delivered to our
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.
I regret to tell you that very many Americans 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.
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
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.
