Cable No. 388, Foreign Minister to the Ambassador [Kato], 'Problem of the Release of the American Hostages (Special Message to Foreign Minister Shara)'

Number: 064838-002

Draft Telegram

Drafted:  July 30, 1985

Primary: Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau Director-General

To: Ambassador to Syria      

From: Foreign Minister

Problem of the Release of the American Hostages (Special Message to Foreign Minister Shara)

No. 388 Secret Urgent (Priority Processing)

(Limited Distribution)

Re: Outgoing First Middle East Division Telegram No. 387 Separate Telegram

1. Once again, thank you for the heart-felt welcome of your country’s people that I enjoyed at the time of my recent visit to your country.

Foreign Minister, the meetings with you and President Assad were extremely significant. I intend henceforth to make every effort for the further promotion of relations of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.

In addition, I would like to engage fully in a frank exchange of views with you regarding the problem of peace in the Middle East.

2. Furthermore, I felt reassured in the course of this recent visit by your country having made the utmost efforts for the release of the hostages in the TWA Incident and by your country now making the utmost efforts for the release of the seven American hostages held in Lebanon. Japan’s government and people have a great interest in these matters and highly appraise your country’s realistic and responsible attitude.

3. Through meeting with you, I am fully aware that there is a difficult problem concerning the release of the seven American hostages. I sincerely hope that the humanitarian efforts that your country is making for the release of the hostages will bear fruit as soon as possible. I would be happy if, from this point onward as well, you would let me know of information on prospects for their release and such.

(End)