Of their Mayfair embassy, that is. Reports suggest the Yanks might be planning a strategic withdrawal from Grosvenor Square, after nearly 70 years occupation.
The U.S. Embassy (USE) is assessing various property management options, among which are continued possession of its current premises or relocation," the embassy said in a statement.
The Eagle-topped concrete box has been the target of countless protests and threats over the years, and local residents and businesses are concerned it might be targeted by terrorists. A move to a less central location – Chelsea Barracks has been mooted - would seem to make sense.
Of course, we have a few suggestions:
• Prince’s Gate. Next door to the Iranian Embassy. That’ll send a few interesting messages.
• Downing Street. Let’s see how long that special relationship lasts when the new neighbours keep forgetting to return Tony’s Flymo.
• Royal National Theatre. A move from one brutalist eyesore to another would make them feel immediately at home – and the tabloids could have fun with headlines such as ‘South Yank Centre’.
Any more ideas?
Image taken from Vertigogen's Flickr photostream.
