How do I address a *former* USA ambassador in a letter
a) on the envelope
b) when I write "Dear ...."

---

Clarification of Question by chrismate-ga on 24 Nov 2004 08:29 PST

I live in the UK, by the way.

Being that I can't find a reference for this, I am posting as a comment.

If you are writing to an ambassador FROM the United States that is
currently sitting, the correct form of address would be "The Honorable
(Full Name), The Ambassador of the United States" and the greeting
would be either "Sir/Madam" or "Dear Mr./Madam Ambassador".  If it is
to an ambassador TO the United States from another country, the
adderss would be "His/Her Excellency (Full Name), The Ambassador of
(Place Name)" and the greeting would be "Excellency or Dear Mr./Madam
Ambassador"

You would probably be ok in using the same greeting, however, for the
address, being that they are no longer serving, a simple Mr/Mrs (Full
name) would probably suffice.

References:
Forms of Address
http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001618.html

PROTOCOL FOR THE MODERN DIPLOMAT, Washington, DC 1998

"An ambassador of the United States may continue to be addressed as
"Mr./Madam Ambassador" after retirement or after returning from
his/her duties abroad":

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/15742.pdf (page 2 of 17)