Pearl Harbor Speech by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt
to the Congress of the United States - December 8th, 1941
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 the 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 colleagues 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 the 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, Dec. 7, a state of war has existed between
the United States and the Japanese empire.
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