July 21, 1983
The President was informed this morning that David Dodge, who was kidnaped last July 19 from
the campus of the American University of Beirut, where he was serving as acting president, has
been released. The Government of the United States is grateful to Syrian President Hafiz al-Assad
and to Dr. Rifaat al-Assad for the humanitarian efforts they undertook which led to Mr. Dodge's
release.
The President is deeply gratified by Mr. Dodge's release and has directed that a U.S. military
aircraft be put at Mr. Dodge's disposal for his return to the United States.
The President also expressed his appreciation for the excellent work of the State Department in
assisting in Mr. Dodge's release.