I don't think that those who put forth the theory that "Roosevelt knew" were referring to the fact that we would sooner or later be at war with the Empire of Japan. Anyone who kept up with world affairs at the time would have had to have been blind to the fact, what with Europe already waist-deep in it.

Rather, I believe they are referring specifically to the attack itself.

The theories are prolific ranging from the possible to the outlandish. For example-

The one I stated about odd coincidences, orders out of the ordinary to s.o.p., Roosevelt's relations, et al.

To the simply incredible-the attack actually being carried out by BRITISH airmen from British A/C stationed off Hawaii!

According to VICTORY AT SEA by James F. Dunnigan and Albert A.Nofi, "In fact the disaster at Pearl Harbor was the result of a lot of audacity and luck on the part of the Japanese and numerous blunders by many American political and military leaders, with no particular person being criminally responsible. As historian Gordon Prange said, "There's enough blame for everyone.""

While that may be so, the fact remains that a great many questions have been left unanswered. Even after the so-called "freedom of information act". And the examination of radio traffic and ambassador's phone calls.

The theory is out there. There are strong arguments for both sides.

A person can put their trust in elected officials and choose to believe in the good in a person but....

Those who would close their minds to the possible behind-closed- door dealings of political heads of state will be poor students of history indeed.

Chuck

 

"The Battle of the Atlantic" was already in full swing and had been been going on for many months. Germany at that point still had somewhat of a serious Navy and of course the U-Boats, and there were countless opportunities for Roosevelt to put the US Navy in a position where Germany would have had no choice but to directly engage them in a major battle. Think about it.....a few of our ships get sunk and sailors get killed and BINGO Roosevelt claims it as an "unprovoked attack", thereby having the excuse he needs to ask Congress for a Declaration of War against Hitler."

In,fact this had already happened. The U.S.S. Abner Read had been sunk by a U-boat torpedo in September.(not absolutely sure of the date, have to check) Prior to the establishment of hostilities. What was the Abner Read doing?

Escorting a convoy of war materials to Britian. Part of Roosevelts plan.

Chuck

 

Rockledge, you bring up a good point with the Lend-Lease Act. That was one of the few ways that Roosevelt could help Britain while Congress and the American public debated whether we should enter the war, or even send help to Britain. I cannot verify this now, and someone else could chime in, but I believe Lend-Lease was the first Executive Order, a Roosevelt invention (I believe there's nothing in the Constitution concerning the Executive Order). He actually made up a presidential power because he knew it was in Americas' best interest to help the Allied forces. Now, the party who isn't in the White House whines about the "illegal" use of the Executive Order by sitting presidents. But that's a whole 'nother thread!

 

I am not saying that we dropped the nukes for nothing, I am just saying that Japan was about to surrender when we dropped them. The reason *I* think we dropped them was to scare russia, which could very well have laid foundations for the cold war. Just putting facts together, you don't have to agree with me, in fact I implore you to do the research yourself. The information is out there, and you can take from it what you will. Don't forget to doubt and think for yourself.