DECLARATION OF WAR

Waikato Times, Volume 129, Issue 21599, 9 December 1941, Page 5

DECLARATION OF WAR

NOTE BY AMERICAN CONGRESS STIRRING MESSAGE BY MR ROOSEVELT SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED ATTACK BY JAPAN (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 9, noon) WASHINGTON, Dec. 8 The Senate Congress unanimously voted a declaration of war against japan. The following is the text of Mr Roosevelt’s war message to the Congress of the United States: “Yesterday, December 7, 1941, was a date which will 1 ive in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by the 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.”

False Statements

“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 have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu. Yesterday the Japanese forces attacked Hongkong, Guam, the Philippines 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. Defence to Uttermost

“I believe that I interpret the will of Congress and 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. 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 Congress declare that since the unprovoked and dastardly attack by Japan on Sunday, December 7, a state of war has existed between the United States and the Japanese Empire.” Only One Dissentient

The House of Representatives’ vote on the war declaration was 388 to one.

The single dissentient was Miss Jeannette Rankin.