                                -=-=-=-=-=-


                           DAY OF INFAMY SPEECH
                             DECEMBER 8, 1941


     TO THE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES:


          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 a 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 hit 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.

                                   Franklin D. Roosevelt
                                   The White House, December 8, 1941


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              THE CONGRESSIONAL WAR RESOLUTION AGAINST JAPAN


     JOINT RESOLUTION declaring that a state of war exists between the
     Imperial Government of Japan and the Government and the people of
     the United States and making provisions to prosecute the same.

          Whereas the Imperial Government of Japan has committed
     unprovoked acts of war against the Government and the people of
     the United States of America: Therefore be it

          Resolved by the Senate and House of Representatives of
          the United States of America in Congress assembled,
          That the state of was between the United States and the
          Imperial Government of Japan which has thus been thrust
          upon the United States is hereby formally declared; and
          the President is hereby authorized and directed to
          employ the entire naval and military forces of the
          United States and the resources of the Government to
          carry on was against the Imperial Government of Japan;
          and, to bring the conflict to a successful termination,
          all of the resources of the country are hereby pledged
          by the Congress of the United States.

          Approved, December 8, 1941, 4:10 p.m. E.S.T.


