Mr. Vice President, and Mr. Speaker, and Members of the Senate and 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. And 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. And 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.   
       
   Transcription courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and   
   Museum.   
       
       
   Regards,   
       
   Roger   
      
   --- D'Bridge 3.99   
    * Origin: NCS BBS - Houma, LoUiSiAna (1:3828/7)