FBI had information about Pearl Harbor attack four months before Japanese offensive

The attack on Pearl Harbor which took place on December 7, 1941 may not have been such a "surprise attack" after all.

One of the major conspiracy theories that has stood the test of time is the "Pearl Harbor advance-knowledge conspiracy theory," wherein the argument is that US Government officials had advance knowledge of Japan's December 7, 1941, attack on the island in Hawaii.

The attack will always be remembered as a dark day for the US, but for many the "surprise attack" on Pearl Harbor may not have been such a surprise after all. 

Episode 4 of Smithsonian Channel's 'America's Hidden Stories', "Pearl Harbor Spies" mines declassified documents to make a case that the FBI was well aware of Pearl Harbor being a probable target during World War 2, but the agency was unable to prevent it from happening.

The documentary reveals that the FBI was aware of the existence of an extensive network of Japanese and German spies who had allegedly been present in the United States for around 20 years prior to the attack.

According to information gathered, it is believed that agencies knew of the interest of these secret operatives in the US Pacific fleet.

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

'Dutton Ranch's breathtaking filming locations generated the buzz after the series premiere earlier this week
21 hours ago
In what comes as a spoiler ahead of Episode 8, 'The Boys' showrunner Eric Kripke may have revealed Homelander's fate
23 hours ago
Beth faces new enemies in a new town, and Rip deals with a murder mystery in the first two episodes of 'Dutton Ranch.'
1 day ago
ESPN personality Mina Kimes defeated actor Steven Weber and comedian Ike Barinholtz during the May 15 championship broadcast
1 day ago
‘Outlander’ Season 8’s final episode left fans convinced Jamie Fraser was doomed before a shocking last-minute twist changed everything.
1 day ago
Duck Dynasty's Lisa and Al Robertson are revealing a chapter of their life, but not on their famous show
1 day ago
A deadly Ohio crash that killed two young men turned into a murder case that still divides opinions years after the shocking verdict.
1 day ago
Prime Video casts the lead stars for its next young adult series, ‘Boys of Tommen,’ adapting Chloe Walsh’s bestselling romance novels.
1 day ago
A prominent 'The Boys' star reflects on his complicated relationship with Homelander ahead of ‘The Boys’ finale.
1 day ago
‘The Oval’ Season 7 teaser hints at political chaos, shocking revelations, and a dangerous new crisis inside the White House.
1 day ago