James Cross

James Cross was a British diplomat involved in a significant hostage situation in 1970 in Montreal, Canada. As a trade commissioner, he was kidnapped by members of the Front de libération du Québec (FLQ), a militant group seeking Quebec independence. The FLQ demanded political concessions in exchange for his release. After 62 days in captivity, Cross was freed through negotiations, and the crisis helped lead to the enactment of the War Measures Act by the Canadian government. His case highlighted issues of national security, political activism, and government response during that turbulent period.