I can certainly assure you of our full assistance in any request
you make to the International Monetary Fund.

As to the timing of such a request, I think there would now be
considerable advantage in not putting it forward until after the
Washington talks. It is very likely that the reception of such an
application by any member of the Sterling Area will be greatly
influenced, if not determined, by the course of the Washington
talks. As you probably know, the attitude of the American
representative on the Fund is not at present sympathetic towards
applications from members of the Sterling Area and it would be
unfortunate if any application met with difficulties before the
talks. I hope such a postponement will be agreeable to you.