James Cross - Definition

James Richard Cross (September 29 1921-) was a British diplomat in Canada who was kidnapped by the Front de libération du Québec during the October Crisis of October 1970.

Cross had served as a Trade Commissioner in India, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Winnipeg, Manitoba and Kuala Lumpur before becoming senior Trade Commissioner in Montreal, Quebec.

Cross was abducted at his home in the Westmount area of Montreal on October 5. He was released on December 3 in exchange for safe passage for his abductors to Cuba. They were exiled from Canada for life. Six members of the FLQ's Liberation cell were later convicted of Cross' kidnapping when they returned to Canada over time.

Cross went on to serve as Under-Secretary in various divisions of the British Department of Trade and Industry and Department of Energy. In 1971, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George.