How we cite our quotes: (Sentence)
Quote #1
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. (2)
What the what, Japan—you asked us to talk peace, and now you come in here and bomb our military installation? How's that fair and friendly?
Quote #2
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. (3-4)
No, literally: one hour later. And again, literally: no mention of war, attacks, threats, et cetera. That memo went over like a lead balloon with Secretary of State Cordell Hull.
Quote #3
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. (5-6)
Deliberate deception? Premeditated hardcore bomb attacks? We don't remember either of those making it onto the Top Ten Ways to Make and Keep Friends list…
Quote #4
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. (16-17)
The facts may speak for themselves, but FDR has plenty to say about them, too. No mistaking it: he was one angry POTUS.
Quote #5
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. (22)
Once bitten, twice shy. Fool us once, shame on you; fool us twice, shame on us. And any other colloquialisms we can think of to basically say that we'll never let you do us this way again, Japan. Consider yourself untrusted.