Cable No. 387, Foreign Minister to the Ambassador [Kato], 'Problem of the Release of the American Hostages (Special Message to Foreign Minister Shara)'

Number: 064002-003

Draft Telegram

Drafted: July 29, 1985

Primary: Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau Director-General

To: Ambassador to the United States  

From: Foreign Minister

Problem of the Release of the American Hostages

No. 3836 Secret Top Urgent

Re: Your Telegram No. 5689

(Limited Distribution)

Regarding this matter, the Government of Japan also has been appealing to the government of Iran and Syria for the immediate release of the American hostages. Considering your initial telegram, and taking into account the data from the United States, our intention is to make every effort henceforth. When you meet on the 29^th with President’s Assistant McFarlane, again inform him regarding what I proposed to Syria’s Foreign Minister Shara (Jeddah incoming telegram no. 112, 1-3) and convey to him the points below. I would then like your response by telegram as to the effect.

1. Our country has been appealing to the governments of Iran and Syria for the immediate release of the American hostages. In particular, when Minister Abe visited Syria the other day, he conveyed our views to Syria’s foreign minister. We sent to Secretary Shultz a message in regard to the exchange of views at that time and request that President’s Assistant McFarlane convey it to President Reagan.

2. Also, considering your initial telegram, our country intends to do everything possible for the immediate release of the American hostages.

3. In particular, Minister Abe has made various proposals in dialogue with the foreign ministers of Iran and Syria on stopping terrorist activities. Both countries have come to express their attitude of opposing terrorism. Accordingly, in light of the US side’s demand in regard to this matter, it has been decided that Minister Abe will immediately send to the foreign ministers of Iran and Syria a special message requesting that they exert their utmost efforts for the release of the American hostages.

Passed to Syria, Iran.  (End)