James Cross facts for kids

James Richard Cross (born September 29, 1921 – died January 6, 2021) was a British diplomat. A diplomat is someone who represents their country in other nations. Mr. Cross was born in Ireland but worked for the British government. He served in countries like India, Malaysia, and Canada.

While working in Canada, Mr. Cross was kidnapped. This happened during a big event called the October Crisis in October 1970. He was held for almost two months. After his release, he went back to the United Kingdom.

Early Life and Education

James Richard Cross was born in Nenagh, County Tipperary, Ireland. This was on September 29, 1921. His family and friends often called him "Jasper." He grew up on a farm.

Mr. Cross went to Trinity College Dublin. There, he studied economics and political science. He graduated in 1944 with excellent grades. At college, he also met his future wife, Barbara Dagg. She studied modern languages.

Diplomatic Career

During World War II, Mr. Cross joined the British Army. He helped fight for the freedom of France. In 1944, he became an officer in the Royal Engineers.

After the war, Mr. Cross started working as a diplomat. His first job was in New Delhi, India, in 1953. In 1957, he moved to Canada. He worked in Halifax and Winnipeg for five years.

Next, he worked in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for four years. Then, he returned to London in 1966. There, he helped organize overseas exhibitions and fairs for the British government. In February 1968, he came back to Canada. He became the senior Trade Commissioner in Montreal. A Trade Commissioner helps businesses from their country trade with other countries.

The Kidnapping

On October 5, 1970, Mr. Cross was taken from his home in Montreal. He was kidnapped by members of a group called the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ). The FLQ wanted the Quebec government to meet certain demands.

Mr. Cross was held as a hostage for 60 days. During this time, he lost a lot of weight because he didn't get much food. He was finally released on December 3. In exchange for his freedom, his kidnappers were allowed to travel safely to Cuba. The talks for his release happened at the Canada Pavilion. This place was part of Expo 67 and was declared Cuban territory for the talks.

Later, six people from the FLQ's "Liberation Cell" were found guilty of kidnapping Mr. Cross. They returned to Canada in the late 1970s. They received prison sentences for their actions.

In 2010, Mr. Cross spoke about his kidnapping. This was on the 40th anniversary of the October Crisis. He shared his story on a radio show called The Current.

Life After the Kidnapping

After his release, Mr. Cross went back to the United Kingdom. He continued to work for the government. However, he was no longer sent to work in other countries. He was offered money to share his story, but the government did not allow him to do so.

Mr. Cross worked as an Under-Secretary in different parts of Britain's Department of Trade and Industry. He also worked for the Department of Energy. In January 1971, he received an important award. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG).

Mr. Cross later retired to Seaford, East Sussex in England. He passed away at his home on January 6, 2021. He was 99 years old. He had health problems related to COVID-19 before he died.

In Books and TV

James Richard Cross is shown as a character in some stories. He appears in the novel The Revolution Script by Brian Moore. His name was changed in the book out of respect for his family. He is also in My October by Claire Holden Rothman. In the 2006 Canadian TV series October 1970, the actor R.H. Thomson played him.

See also

• List of kidnappings
• List of people who disappeared