We wish to protest at the decision to close our Embassy to the Vatican. We request that this decision be rescinded. The role of the Embassy goes far beyond its value in economic terms.It is an invaluable source of information from and negotiations with the Holy See. When relations between Church and State are going through a difficult period as at present, it is all the more important that we have direct contact through our Embassy to seek mutually satisfactory solutions to the problems that exist. Moreover, we have many interests in common with the Holy See on international affairs, including development aid,protection of the environment, human rights and our desire for peace. The saving quoted by closing the Embassy is tiny compared to our overall budget and the cost of bailing out the banks We request that the Embassy be kept open. Seamus Killeen, Sutton