Was Roosevelt Responsible for Pearl Harbour

Was President Franklin D Roosevelt responsible for the attack on Pearl Harbour?

On December 7, 1941 the infamous bombing of Pearl Harbour by the Japanese took place, but who was really responsible? Many historians lay the blame with President Franklin D Roosevelt (FDR), citing his approach to the war as antagonistic and inciting a Japanese attack. This report however will alleviate FDR of the historical responsibility bequeathed to him over the last 70 years by; revealing the Japanese Pacific War Plans, FDR's approach to the threat of Japan, the events that led up to the Pearl Harbour attack, the 14 part message decoded, the attack on Pearl harbour and other locations within the same 24 hour period and finally, the reinforcement of Hawaii and their shortcomings in preparedness.

In the midst of World War II, Japan devised a plan to seize all of Southeast Asia. The intentions of this plan were to take over territories of the United Kingdom, Holland and the United States of America (US) ensuring a ready supply of rubber, oil, mineral and tin, vital to the war efforts. There were several difficulties within the Southeast Asia plan that the Japanese government were fully aware of. They included the US occupied Philippines which stood between Japan and its conquests and that an attack on the Philippines would warrant a response from the US. They began negotiations with the US, but plans were already underway to attack. The most lethal Japanese weapon was one of radio silence, enabling stealth and the inability of tracking by other countries. This was in some way also implemented in their correspondence with embassies, with critical information regarding attacks and plans omitted. On September 6, 1941 the Japanese held a meeting outlining their plans for the prosecution of the Imperial Government's Policy.

"(Agenda for a council in the Imperial Presence, September 6 1941)

Item 3. If by the early part of October there is no reasonable hope of having our demands...