How does one properly update VFP memo fields with text greater than 255 characters long?

I've had to resort to updating the VFP memo fields with only the first 255 characters of the SQL text column in order for it to work at all.

Here is the simplified code.

The Abstract field is a VFP free table memo field.

x= "less than 255 characters..."
Update stockinfo
Set
Abstract = x
where CatNum = 1

This fails if I try the following:

x= "more than 255 characters..."
Update stockinfo
Set
Abstract = x
where CatNum = 1

What am I missing?
Thanks in advance.