President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Pearl Harbor Handle to Congress:
To the Congress of the USA:
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 – a date which can dwell in infamy – the USA of America was out of the blue and intentionally attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The USA was at peace with that nation and, on the solicitation of Japan, was nonetheless in dialog with the federal government and its emperor wanting towards the upkeep of peace within the Pacific.
Certainly, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the USA and his colleagues delivered to the Secretary of State a proper reply to a latest American message. Whereas this reply acknowledged that it appeared ineffective to proceed the present diplomatic negotiations, it contained no risk or trace of warfare or armed assault.
It will likely be recorded that the space of Hawaii from Japan makes it apparent that the assault was intentionally deliberate many days and even weeks in the past. Throughout the meantime, the Japanese authorities has intentionally sought to deceive the USA by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The assault yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has brought on extreme injury to American naval and navy forces. Very many American lives have been misplaced. As well as, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the excessive seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday, the Japanese authorities additionally launched an assault towards Malaya.
Final evening, Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Final evening, Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Final evening, Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Final evening, the Japanese attacked Wake Island.
This morning, the Japanese attacked Halfway Island.
Japan has, subsequently, undertaken a shock offensive extending all through the Pacific space. The information of yesterday communicate for themselves. The folks of the USA have already shaped their opinions and nicely perceive the implications to the very life and security of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Military and Navy, I’ve directed that each one measures be taken for our protection.
All the time will we bear in mind the character of the onslaught towards us.
Regardless of how lengthy it could take us to beat this premeditated invasion, the American folks of their righteous may will win by means of to absolute victory.
I consider I interpret the desire of the Congress and of the folks after I assert that we are going to not solely defend ourselves to the uttermost, however will make very sure that this type of treachery shall by no means endanger us once more.
Hostilities exist. There isn’t any blinking at the truth that our folks, our territory and our pursuits are in grave hazard. With confidence in our armed forces – with the unbounding dedication of our folks – we’ll acquire the inevitable triumph – so assist us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that because the unprovoked and dastardly assault by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of warfare has existed between the USA and the Japanese empire.