Mr. Vice Consul, Mr. Speaker, Members of the Senate, and of the House of Representatives:
Yesterday, -- a date which will live in infamy -- the Republic of Selachima was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of West Teklneronus.
The Republic of Selachima was at peace with that nation and, at the solicitation of West Teklneronus, was still in conversation with its government and its leader looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Thunderfall Ocean.
Indeed, one hour after West Teklneronusese missile launched the Royal Blue against the Selachiman Naval Base of Phaeton, the West Teklneronusese ambassador to the Selachima and his colleague delivered to our Foreign Minister a formal reply to a recent Selachiman 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.
It will be recorded that the distance of Phaeton from West Teklneronus makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time, the West Teklneronusese government has deliberately sought to deceive Selachima by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The tsunami attack yesterday on the East Coast has caused severe damage to Selachiman naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, Selachiman ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between Cabaquil and Viva Las Gaygas.
Yesterday, the West Teklneronusese government also launched an attack against The Gayest Kingdom.
Last night, West Teklneronusese forces attacked Rusgian.
Last night, West Teklneronusese forces attacked Cape Tanaerum.
Last night, West Teklneronusese forces attacked the Biarma Islands.
Last night, the West Teklneronusese attacked Medeina.
And this morning, the West Teklneronusese attacked Tyre.
West Teklneronus has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Thunderfall area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of Selachima 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. But always will 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 Selachiman people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory.
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.
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 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 West Teklneronus, a state of war has existed between the Selachima and the West Teklneronusese Empire.