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At least for a moment upon visiting this building, one is able to contemplate the main chance, whatever the details of state craft. One is inspired to pursue lofty concerns: it would seem tawdry in such an environment to pursue anything less. I recall during a Presidential campaign of which I was National Deputy Political Director, someone saying, "I'm off to see Christopher Meyer (then Deputy Head of Mission; later Ambassador) at the British Embassy, a place for lofty thoughts." I subsequently called then Minister Meyer's office at the Embassy to ask if it would be possible for Her Majesty and the Queen Mother to invite Mrs. Virginia Clinton Kelley, President-elect Clinton's mother, to the races, her favorite pastime. Regrettably, my lofty request did not materialize. I did, however, have Mrs. Kelley for dinner the night before her son's historic inauguration. I recall thinking, had I been able to suggest the idea within the precincts of Lutyens' lofty Embassy, the idea might have reached fruition. One of the first places I visited as a freshman at Georgetown School of Foreign Service was this Lutyens masterwork, in tandem with the spectacular mosque down the street and the National Cathedral at the top of the hill. All three places during that walk along Massachusetts Avenue evoked sweeping historical movements, Lutyens was a virtuoso of perspective, both in confined and vast spaces. HYLAND