X-RAY SPECTROSCOPY OF THE BROAD-LINE RADIO GALAXY 3C-111

We present an ASCA observation of the broad-line radio galaxy 3C 111. The X-ray spectrum is well described by a model consisting of a photoe lectrically absorbed power-law form. The inferred absorbing column den sity is significantly greater than expected on the basis of 21-cm meas urements of Galactic Hr. Whilst this may be the result of intrinsic ab sorption from a circumnuclear torus or highly warped accretion disc, i nhomogeneities and molecular gas within the foreground giant molecular cloud may also be responsible for some of this excess absorption. We also claim a marginal detection of a broad iron K alpha line which is well explained as being a fluorescent line originating from the centra l regions of a radiatively efficient accretion disc. This line appears weak in comparison to those found in (radio-quiet) Seyfert nuclei. We briefly discuss the implications of this fact.