Question

d history b (15341) a day in infamy according to president roosevelt, why was japans attack on pearl harbor such a surprise? yesterday, december 7, 1941 - a date which will live in infamy - the 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 looking toward the maintenance of peace in the pacific. japan and the united states were looking for ways to solidify peace in the pacific. japan was an ally of the united states in world war ii. 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. japan and the united states were supposed to attack china together. japan and the united states had positive foreign relations. -president franklin d. roosevelt, 1941

Explanation:

The text states the US was at peace with Japan and in conversations for peace - making, and the Japanese reply before the attack had no threat of war. So the surprise was due to positive - seeming foreign relations.

Answer:

Japan and the United States had positive foreign relations.