Further memorandum submitted by the Foreign
and Commonwealth Office
AMBASSADOR IN WASHINGTON DC
Letter to the Secretary of State, Foreign
and Commonwealth Office, from the Chairman of the Committee, 19
March 2003
The Foreign Affairs Committee has asked me to
write to you to express its concern that the United Kingdom's
most important Post overseas is without an Ambassador, and will
be without one apparently for some time to come. The fact that
the Post is in the hands of a very capable Charge does little
to diminish our concern that this of all Posts should have no
Ambassador at a time when the transatlantic relationship can rarely
have been more central to this country's vital interests.
The Committee wishes to know why this situation
arose, and when it will end.
Chairman of the Committee
March 2003
Letter to the Chairman of the Committee
from the Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office,
26 March 2003
Thank you for your letter of 19 March.
Christopher Meyer had pressing reasons relating
to his further career for leaving at the end of February. In David
Manning, I believe that we have a very strong successor. As you
will understand, the Prime Minister requires David to remain by
his side for the coming months. That is not ideal. But I judge
that it is sustainable. I agree with you that our Charge is very
capable. And we are of course continuing very close direct contacts
at Ministerial and senior official level between London and Washington.
Rt Hon Jack Straw, MP
Secretary of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office
March 2003
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