"Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representatives: Yesterday, December 7th, 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.
But 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."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt, President of the United States.
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