For a Declaration of War Against Japan

富兰克林·罗斯福 / Franklin Roosevelt

富兰克林·罗斯福（1882—1945），美国第三十二任总统，民主党人，著名的资产阶级政治家，生于纽约。他生前颇孚众望，成为美国历史上唯一连任四届的总统。第二次世界大战中，他执行反对德、意、日法西斯侵略扩张的外交路线，引导美国加入了反法西斯阵营。他随之也成为该阵营的重要领袖之一。1945年4月，他因脑溢血而与世长辞。

Practicing for Better Learning

Read the following article carefully, and answer the question below.

According to the auther, why did America declare a war against Japan?

Mr.Vice President, Mr.Speaker, members of the Senate and the House of Representative,

Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will Live in infamy—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 working towards 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 co1leagues, delivered to our Secretary of States a forma1 reply to a recent American message.And while this reply stated that it seems 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 has 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, let 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 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 the fact that our people, our territory and our interest 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.