Soviet Union: New Embassy Buildings in London and Moscow

A file containing documents concerning planned new buildings for the British embassy in Moscow and the Soviet embassy in London. Subjects covered in the file include the intermittent negotiations on the subject conducted since 1964 whereby both sides would obtain improved premises; the need for a new building in Moscow to replace several widely scattered sites; the Soviets' plans for a large "diplomatic compound" in the Kensington area of London to house all their diplomatic activities; and the involvement of the local member of parliament, Brandon Rhys Williams. Other subjects discussed in the file include the "insensitive designs" for the Soviet embassy; "unhelpful and inaccurate speculation and controversy" generated by the lack of progress on new buildings; the importance of an agreement in order to safeguard the British position in Moscow; and the possibility of commissioning designs for the Soviet embassy from a prominent British architect.