President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s Pearl Harbor Handle to Congress:
To the Congress of the US:
Yesterday, Dec. 7, 1941 – a date which can reside in infamy – the US of America was out of the blue and intentionally attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The US 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 US 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 battle or armed assault.
It is going to be recorded that the gap of Hawaii from Japan makes it apparent that the assault was intentionally deliberate many days and even weeks in the past. Through the meantime, the Japanese authorities has intentionally sought to deceive the US by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The assault yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has triggered extreme injury to American naval and army 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 in opposition to 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 info of yesterday communicate for themselves. The folks of the US 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 every one measures be taken for our protection.
At all times will we bear in mind the character of the onslaught in opposition to us.
Regardless of how lengthy it could take us to beat this premeditated invasion, the American folks of their righteous may will win via 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 are going to achieve the inevitable triumph – so assist us God.
I ask that the Congress declare that for the reason that unprovoked and dastardly assault by Japan on Sunday, Dec. 7, a state of battle has existed between the US and the Japanese empire.