|
Mr. Vice President,
Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of
Representatives:
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 colleague 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 again endanger us.
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 un-bounding
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. |
