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September 23, 1985

Cable No. 787, Ambassador Kato to the Foreign Minister, 'Problem of the Release of the American Hostages'

Number: R129233

 

Primary: Middle Eastern and African Affairs Bureau Director-General

 

Sent: Syria, September 23, 1985, 12:45

 

Received: MOFA, September 23, 1985, 18:55

 

To: Foreign Minister      

From: Ambassador Kato

 

Problem of the Release of the American Hostages

 

No. 787 Secret Urgent (Priority Processing)

 

(Limited Distribution)

 

On the 22nd, on the occasion of Japan-Syria Friendship Mission Chief Mizukami and Japan-Syria Friendship Association President Nakayama paying a courtesy call on President Assad, President Nakayama said that he had reported his previous meeting with President Assad, following his return to Japan, to Prime Minister Nakasone and the Foreign Minister. Both the Prime Minister and the Foreign Minister were strongly impressed by, and expressed their deep respect for, President Assad’s lofty vision and his enthusiasm for strengthening relations between Japan and Syria.

 

In response, President Assad said: “For me (President Assad), too, the problem discussed the other day is a matter of great concern. I would like you to convey that to Prime Minister Nakasone, as well as that I intend to continue from this point onward to exert effort on this problem, treating it as one of my own.” (End)

 

This telegram from Ambassador to Syria Kato to the Foreign Minister of Japan summarizes a conversation between Japan-Syria Friendship Association President Nakayama and President Assad in which President Assad commits to continuing to assist in the release of the American hostages held in Lebanon.


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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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270636