(American Express Co. opens Amex Bank of Canada amid controversy)"(column).

"Mr. Cupp has been a director since 1989 and was chief information officer at American Express Co.'s travel-related services unit."

American Express Co., New York, $735 million notes due in 1996 exchangeable into First Data stock.

James Dixon Robinson III (born 1935) was the chief executive officer of American Express Co. from 1977 until his retirement in 1993.

LEAD: * American Express Co., appointed Richard M. Moose senior vice president of government affairs.

Debt * American Express Co. announced yesterday that it had completed a private sale of $300 million in preferred stock with Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

American Express Co. (banking, 12.6%)

LEAD: * American Express Co. named James T. Colby 3d vice president for investments.

Inc., New York, a subsidiary of American Express Co., named Patricia Patterson senior vice president for consumer lending.

In 1854, the American Express Co. purchased a lot on Vesey Street in New York City as the site for its stables.