Roosevelts Declaration of War in Congress 12/08/1941
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North American (General)Transcript
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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. 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 are 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 hit of war or a ground 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 or continued peace. The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian islands has caused severe damage. two American naval and military forces, I could 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 forces attacked wake island and this morning the Japanese have 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, 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 people of the United States and their righteous might will win through to absolute victory. I believe that I am tougher 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 very soon that this form of treachery shall never again and dangerous 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 un bounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph. So help us. God, I ask that Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on sunday december 7th 1941 a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire