PEARL HARBOR
FRANKLIN D. ROOSEVELT'S
Speech to the U.S. Congress on December 8th, 1941 (as delivered)
Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, of 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. 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.
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.
