The Case Against Harry Dexter White: Still Not Proven
IMF Working Papers, August 1, 2000
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- The Case Against Harry Dexter White: Still Not Proven
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Bibliographic details
- Authors: James M. Boughton
- Published: August 1, 2000
- Series: IMF Working Papers
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.5089/9781451856880.001
Summary
- Harry Dexter White was the principal architect of the international financial system established at the end of the Second World War and was arguably the most important U. S. government economist of the 20th century.
- Allegations that White spied for the Soviet Union have damaged his reputation.
- Declassification of documents showing that he met with Soviet agents in 1944 and 1945 has recently revived the espionage charge.
- 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.
Evidence and interpretation
- Declassified documents: show meetings with Soviet agents in 1944 and 1945.
- Contextual evaluation: placing the meetings and documents within White’s broader career and worldview leads the author to question the espionage charge and to support a more benign reading of his motivations and actions.
Findings and key points
- White’s central role: identified as the principal architect of the post–Second World War international financial system.
- Reputation impact: longstanding allegations of espionage have materially affected perceptions of White’s legacy.
- Recent developments: declassification of documents renewed scrutiny of White’s activities.
- Author’s conclusion: the available evidence, when weighed within the broader context of White’s career and worldview, casts doubt on the proposition that he was a Soviet spy and supports a more benign interpretation of his conduct.
Subject areas and keywords
- Subjects: Administration in revenue administration, Bilateral trade agreements, Currencies, Economic classification, Financial institutions, International trade, Labor, Loans, Money, Public financial management (PFM), Revenue administration
- Keywords: Administration in revenue administration, allegations of White's sympathy, Bilateral trade agreements, Bretton Woods, Currencies, Eastern Europe, Economic classification, Europe, Global, grand jury, Harry Dexter White, indirect contact, keystone of White's effort, KGB file, Loans, McCarthyism, official duty, rugs to White, validity of White's motivation, WP
Content in this bundle
- The Case against Harry Dexter White: Still Not Proven - WP/00/149