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Franklin D.
Roosevelt’s “Infamy” Speech to Congress
NOTE:
Following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor,
President Roosevelt issued this request for a
declaration of war.
December 8, 1941
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
Oahu, the Japanese Ambassador to the United States and
his colleague delivered to the Secretary of State of
form 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 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 had
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.
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 Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive
extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of
yesterday 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.
Always will we 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 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 very certain
that this form of treachery shall never endanger us
again.
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
unbounded 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 seventh, a state of war has existed between the
United States and the Japanese Empire.
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