Tuesday, December 30, 2008

PSA: Ballpark Figure Needed for London

Winfield House, State Department Photo

Somebody in Georgia is interested in the ambassador’s gig in London, and the following search phrase kept landing in this blog:

insider what does an ambassador have to spend at court of st james's

Insider’s initial response: Like J. P. Morgan says, “If you have to ask how much it costs, you can't afford it.”

Insider’s less snarky response after I’ve had coffee – I’ll ask around.

Can't say how much you spend as top diplomat in London representing the United States at the Court of St. James. But over in Rome, our man there did 220 dinners, lunches and receptions since 2006, which amounts to some 6 representational functions per month. I'm quite sure he has spent out of pocket, just can't say how much out of pocket or, if one gets a tax deduction for spending on behalf of Uncle Sam (best consult a professional on the tax thingy).

If anyone out there has ever been an Ambassador to the Court of St. James and has Winfield House as your digs, would you please let us know? I think a ball park figure would be much appreciated.

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