American in the Shadows: Harry Dexter White and the Design of the International Monetary Fund

Author/Editor:

James M. Boughton

Publication Date:

January 1, 2006

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:

Two economists designed the main features of the charter of the IMF during World War II: John Maynard Keynes and Harry Dexter White. Several of those features are attributable primarily to White, including the adoption of fixed but adjustable exchange rates, the funding of operations with national currencies deposited by member states, extending credits through currency swaps rather than conventional loans, making these credits subject to policy conditions, and encouraging members to retain capital controls as an option for use in difficult circumstances. This study of archival material helps to uncover White's role in this design process.

Series:

Working Paper No. 2006/006

Subject:

English

Publication Date:

January 1, 2006

ISBN/ISSN:

9781451862669/1018-5941

Stock No:

WPIEA2006006

Pages:

21

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