James Cross

James Richard Cross (29 September 1921 – 6 January 2021) was an Irish-born British diplomat who served in India, Malaysia and Canada. While posted in Canada, Cross was kidnapped by members of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ) during the October Crisis of October 1970. He was ultimately released almost two months later, and subsequently returned to the United Kingdom.

Early life and career

Cross was born in Nenagh in County Tipperary, Ireland, on 29 September 1921. His mother died during her labour with him. His elder sibling had intellectual disabilities and was consequently institutionalised. Cross was raised on the family farm, During captivity, due to stress and a shortage of food, Cross lost 10 kg (22 lb). He was released on 3 December after 60 days in captivity. In exchange for his release, his abductors would get safe passage to Cuba. The talks were held at the Canada Pavilion, located on Notre Dame Island, the site of Expo 67. This site was declared Cuban territory for the period of the talks.

Cross said of his kidnapping:

They [the kidnappers] told me about 10 o'clock on Wednesday evening that the police knew where I was. Nothing much happened for the next four hours. Then, the power was cut at around 2 o'clock in the morning. I was in bed at the time - they got me up. They took me into the corridor in the centre of the house, handcuffed me to a doorknob, and that's where I spent the night. It was a very uncomfortable position. There is also a transcript of a taped memoir online, uploaded by the archives centre at Churchill College, Cambridge.

Later life

Cross returned to the United Kingdom after his release and continued working for the civil service. However, he was no longer assigned overseas postings. Although he received a number of offers to sell his story, he did not since he was prohibited by the government from doing so. He was made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in January 1971.

Cross retired to Seaford, East Sussex. Both his wife and their only child (Susan) predeceased him in 2018 and 2015, respectively. He is also featured in My October by Claire Holden Rothman, and as a character in the 2006 Canadian television series October 1970, played by R.H. Thomson.