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Declaration of War to Japan speech by Franklin D. Roosevelt
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Declaration of War to Japan
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.