"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."
Joint Address to Congress Leading to a Declaration of War Against Japan
December 8 , 1941
Mr. Vice
President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and 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.
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.
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.
Our Document List
|