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September 21, 1985

Cable No. 785, Ambassador Kato to the Foreign Minister, 'Problem of the Release of the American Hostages'

Number: R129037

 

Primary: Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau Director-General

 

Sent: Syria, September 21, 1985, 14:00

 

Received: MOFA, September 22, 1985, 20:11

 

To: Foreign Minister      

From: Ambassador Kato

 

Problem of the Release of the American Hostages

 

No. 786 Secret Top Urgent

 

(Limited Distribution)

 

Re: Outgoing Telegram No. 769

 

Taking the opportunity of the friendship mission’s calling on Foreign Minister Shara, Ambassador Nakayama met individually with the Foreign Minister twice for brief meetings. Following is what the other side said on those occasions:

 

The Syrian Government is fully aware of the importance of rescuing the hostages and is greatly concerned about their fate. We are doing our utmost for the release of the hostages, but the situation is complicated. We must be patient and careful. However, we intend to continue such efforts from this point onward. We are not at all pessimistic. We think that the hostages will be freed.  (End)

 

(Passed to United Nations (VVVVV), United States)

This telegram reports on Ambassador Nakayama’s meetings with Foreign Minister Shara of Syria. The Foreign Minister reported that the Syrian government is dedicated to assist in the release of the American hostages in Lebanon.


Document Information

Source

Diplomatic Archives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, File No. 2017-0631. Translated by Stephen Mercado.

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2021-09-24

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270635