Sir,
At the direction of my Government I have the honor to transmit the following communication:
The articles of agreement of the International Monetary Fund and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development have come into force and the Government of the United States as the member having the largest quota in the fund and the largest number of shares in the bank has the honor of inviting your Government to arrange for your Governor of the fund and of the bank to attend the first meetings of the Boards of Governors. The meetings will be held at Wilmington Island near Savannah, Georgia, on March 8, 1946, for the purpose of establishing the two institutions.

It is the expectation of the Government of the United States that the business of the Boards of Governors can be concluded within a two week period and arrangements have been made for the accommodation of the Governors and those who accompany them for that period of time. Shortly after the conclusion of the meetings of the Boards of Governors it is expected that the executive directors of each institution will begin to function at or near the site selected for the principal office of the fund and the bank.

My Government intends to suggest the adoption of a resolution by the Board of Governors of each institution permitting the admission to member­ship during a limited period of time of those countries listed in Schedule A of each of the articles of agreement on the terms set forth in the articles of agreement. It is our hope that some or all of these Governments may be in a position to become members of the fund and the bank with sufficient speed to permit them to participate in the first meetings of the Boards of Governors and we are inviting them to have observers in attendance at these meetings.

The Government of the United States would appreciate it if you could advise us promptly as to the number of persons representing your Government who will attend the first meetings of the Boards of Governors, as well as the date and place of their arrival in the United States.

Accept etc.
RAY ATHERTON