ONE DISSENTIENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20634, 9 December 1941, Page 6

ONE DISSENTIENT

WOMAN VOTER SWIFT SUPPORT GIVEN CENTRAL AMERICA (Elen. To'. Copyriftht—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 9, 1.40 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 8. The Senate unanimously voted for ,a declaration of war against Japan by the United States. The voting in the House was 388 to one. The single dissentient was Representative Miss Jeanette Rankin.

Mr. Roosevelt in his war message to the Congress of the United States said: "Yesterday, December 7, 1941, was 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 the 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 formal reply to the 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 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 caused severe damage to the American naval and military forces. Very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships are reported to have been 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 Horn; Kong, Guam, the Philippine Islands and 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 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 defence. 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. Will of the People

“I believe I interpret the vyill c Congress and the people when '!' assert that we will not only defend ourselves to the ‘uttermost, but will make very certain that this form o treachery shall never endanger u. c again. With confidence in our armec forces, with the unbounding determination of our people, we will gain the inevitable triumph, so help uf God.

“I ask that Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war exists between the United States and the Japanese Empire.” Haiti lias declared war against Japan and pledged full, assistance to the United States. Honduras has also declared war against Japan. Martial law has been established throughout the republic. The President. General Übico, has sent a message to President Roosevelt pledging Guatemala’s solidarity with the United States against Japan.

A Mexico City message says that the Government of Mexico has ordered the army and navy to maintain a state of extraordinary vigilance on Mexico’s Pacific coast against any possible landing attempt, or suspicious activity of any kind by Japan. It is officially announced in Chungking that China has declared war on Japan, Germany and Italy.

The Netherlands Government in London has announced that a state of war exists with Japan.