The Case Against Harry Dexter White: Still Not Proven

Author/Editor:

James M. Boughton

Publication Date:

August 1, 2000

Electronic Access:

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Disclaimer: This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF.The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate

Summary:

Harry Dexter White, the principal architect of the international financial system established at the end of the Second World War, was arguably the most important U. S. government economist of the 20th century. His reputation, however, has suffered because of allegations that he spied for the Soviet Union. That charge has recently been revived by the declassification of documents showing that he met with Soviet agents in 1944 and 1945. Evaluation of that evidence in the context of White’s career and worldview casts doubt on the case against him and provides the basis for a more benign interpretation.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2000/149

Subject:

Administration in revenue administration Bilateral trade agreements Currencies Economic classification Financial institutions International trade Labor Loans Money Public financial management (PFM) Revenue administration

English

Publication Date:

August 1, 2000

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451856880/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA1492000

Pages:

21

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