~ 1 ~ the EMBASSY PRESENCE in WASHINGTON, D.C. Priscilla R. Linn
Living in Washington, D.C. Embassies photo THE EMBASSY PRESENCE IN WASHINGTON, D.C. Priscilla R. Linn May 29, 2014 Finding embassies on a map of Washington, D.C. is a relatively straightforward task. They lie in northwest quadrant of one of the smallest capitals in the world, often lining up along (or close to) the avenues that city planner Pierre L’Enfant drew up over 200 years ago. Other locations in Washington, D.C. could, in principle, welcome many foreign missions. Reasons for the concentration of embassies in Washington hinge on the need to be close to the White House, U.S. Department of State, Congress, and international organizations. Embassies also desire a location in a prestigious neighborhood that can enhance both national identity and standing among nations in the international community. Essential diplomatic terms Since diplomacy often requires a specific vocabulary, this essay will clarify the meaning of several words used here. The Diplomat’s Dictionary defines the word “embassy” as: “The residence of an ambassador.” The Dictionary states that in loose, contemporary usage, the word “embassy” also refers to the office building of the ambassador and his senior staff. For clarity, this essay follows the “loose contemporary usage” for “embassy,” and does not ~ 1 ~ Map from National Area Planning Commission report, Foreign Missions and International Organizations in Washington, D.C. http://www.ncpc.gov/DocumentDepot/Publications/ForeignMissions/Foreign_Missions_Overview.pdf (accessed May 15, 2014) ~ 2 ~ include ambassadors’ residences in the discussion. An embassy also encompasses the diplomatic corps that conducts foreign affairs from the embassy building. People refer to the embassy office building as a “chancery,” where an ambassador and his principal staff conduct diplomatic business.
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