64220 We wish you a Merry Christmas. December 1975 News about the men and women 0/ the World Bank Group Interview Chairman Amir AI-Khafaji talks about Staff Association Bank Notes: Inflation reduces pur­ analysis of the data which take into chasing power. It erodes real income. account the effects of timing and fre­ In the six-month period from March quency of the salary adjustments. We to August 1975, the Washington Con­ have tried to highlight two aspects: sumer Price Index increased 3.5 per­ the need to adjust Bank salaries to cent. What steps has the Staff Asso­ bring them to levels competitive with ciation taken to help protect Bank staff those of our primary competitors, and from a reduction in their real income? the necessity to compensate for the reduction in real income resulting from AI-Kbafaji: The Staff Association inflation . These two issues should be is very much concerned with the need treated separately if a meaningful for a timeiy adjustment of salaries to comparison is to be made. Panel discussion on the World Conference of the International Women's Year. compensate for inflation. An interim Anna Sant'Anna makes her report on the recent meetings in Mexico City while The Staff Association's Advisory salary adjustment for all staff was re­ Committee on Compensations (COM­ (from left) Moderator Diana Chitwood, Nydia Mara viglia, and Shirley Boskey quested in early October but Manage­ listen. PAC) has prepared a paper on staff ment decided not to submit this re­ benefits. The paper makes a distinction quest to the Executive Directors. between those benefits enjoyed by all S. A. women's group panelists Other organizations such as the United Nations, Common Market, and staff such as leave, health insurance, and pension, and those enjoyed by the Organisation for Economic Co­ only some, such as education and de­ discuss Mexico City conference operation and Development provide cost of living adjustments more fre­ pendency alowances. The paper will be considered by the Delegate Assem­ By Margaret de Tchihatchef quently than once a year. Some orga­ bly and we hope to adopt a Staff As­ focused on two major areas of concern nizations have an automatic system sociation position regarding improve­ • Will the momentum of the Con­ to women, while Miss Sant'Anna spoke for adjustment of salaries to reflect ment of benefits and their priorities. ference be used as a fresh mandate to about the Tribune meetings. After­ cost of living increases. The Staff As­ Management has engaged a consul­ push for a more equitable role for ward, there was an unfortunately too­ sociation believes that such a system tant to collect information on benefits women? short questions-and-answers period. is the most equitable to compensate for enjoyed by staff of other organizations. • Does the Bank have projects in the reduction in the value of Bank staff which women constitute the target Tbeme and Action Plan An attempt will be made to assess the salaries resulting from inflation. value of benefits to the employee as group? The Conference themes: Equality of Management, however, has been re­ These were two of the questions part of this year's salary review. men and women, integrating women luctant to propose an indexing system. raised by the audience at the panel into the development process, and in­ We intend to continue to advocate the Bank Notes: The Bank has ear­ discussion on the World Conference creasing their contribution toward principle of indexing during the 1976 marked 3 percent of the annual salary of the International Women's Year world peace. salary compensation review. It is one budget to merit increases. What do you which took place in the Bank on The Action .Plan: To carry out these thing to regard indexing as unaccept­ think 0/ this amount? October 23. The discussion was or­ three themes at the national and re­ able because of the unfavorable polit­ ganized by the Status of Women gional levels and provide a focus for ical environment now and another not AI-Khafaji: The Bank could bring Working Group of the Staff Associa­ international attention. The target date to take account of the value of the in­ greater significance to the reward of tion. Panelists were Shirley Boskey of is 1980 by which time the Plan calls dexing systems of other organizations exceptional performances by making the International Relations Depart­ for, among other things and as a mini­ when making the salary comparisons. merit increases more substantial. The ment, and Nydia Maraviglia of the mum, a marked increase in the literacy 3 percent of the annual salary budget Population Projects Department who of women, an increase in employment Bank Notes: The New Year will set aside for merit increases, in prac­ were the Bank's representatives in an opportunities for women, greater par­ soon be upon us. What are the StaD tice, does not increase the salary observer capacity at the Conference in ticipation of women in policy-making Association's plans for the 1976 staff budget in real terms. Over a span of Mexico City; and Anna Sant' Anna of decisions, an improvement in health compensation review? a year, staff with high salaries retire the Development Policy Staff who, at education services, and development or leave the Bank and new staff enter at the V.N.'s request, attended the un­ AI-Kbafaji: The Staff Association at low salary levels giving the Bank of modern rural technology designed official Tribune meetings taking place has several meetings with Manage­ savings of about 3 percent in real to lighten the workload of women on at the same time. Diana Chitwood of the land. ment to discuss the procedure, meth­ terms. The staff does not consider the Economic Development Institute odology, and other issues related to present merit increases as substantial was the moderator. The Action Plan was adopted by the 1976 salary compensation review. and the Staff Association has brought consensus. The Conference also this issue to the attention of Manage­ Mrs. Boskey started the proceedings We have chosen this year to take by explaining the Conference's pur­ adopted a number of supplementary ment. the initiative in submitting proposals pose and Action Plan, Mrs. Maraviglia (Cont'd on Page 3, Col. 1) on the method of computation and (Cont'd on Page 4, Col. 1) Page 2 Bank Notes December 1975 At many stops, trainmen and station masters became embroiled in raging, interminable arguments over the dis­ Bank's Rasident position of some articles of freight which might or might not have been CACOGRAPHER cleared for delivery by the traffic man­ ager. is e1usiva man Bills of lading, receipts, invoices, shipping orders, and other documents When Eugene Black retired from were consulted and brandished to a the Bank presidency, staff members shouted counterpoint of imprecations presented him a large silver platter. in Swahili and English, while passen­ Each staffer's name was engraved on gers muttered curses of their own and the platter. Over in the last column, waited, sometimes for an hour or long­ with the other S's, was Granville T. er. When the train finally lurched for­ Sackett. No one had ever heard of ward again, there was no assurance Sackett before that day-Personnel that it would proceed more than 20 had no record of him, Payroll acknowl­ yards without jolting to another halt; edged they had never issued a check as often as not, signalmen forgot to to him, and a particularly gossipy lady throw the "line clear" signal. who then, as today, knew everybody in HBills of lading . .. were consulted . .. while passengers muttered curses of the Bank admitted that the name really their own and waited . ..." was not all that familiar. He is in the Went into Motion telephone directory, of course, but Author finds At times, there seemed to be more never answers his extension. Through movement inside the train than out­ the years, like some efficient phantom, side. I went into motion my first night. Sackett has built his power base. Per­ Rail travel in East Africa Bravely climbing up the ladder to my bunk, I watched my new friend, Mr. sonnel and Payroll still have not lo­ cated him, but he has touched all of involves lots of IllOVetnent Sudi, arranging his bedroll. But sud­ denly, his imposing body disappeared. our lives. In the early years, word of mouth Curious, I leaned over, like Charlie carried his authority: Mr. Sackett By Peter Riddleberger It was not meant to be the terminus Brown's dog hanging over the roof of wanted this or wanted that or Granville Nowadays, we frequently hear about -the Germans had originally planned his doghouse, to find him carefully T. Sackett approved this or okayed the ambitious TanZam Railroad being to extend their Ost Afrika railway up laying out his prayer rug in a generally that. At one point an original Sackett built with Chinese help. Visitors to Dar to Burundi. But World War I got in easterly direction to carry out his eve­ painting turned up and, as a gesture of es Salaam cannot help but notice the the way, along with a British attack ni ng prayers. respect, some consideration was given gaudy new railroad station which serv­ boat that caused the scuttling of the He succeeded, and so did about 10 to hanging it in the Board Room. ices this line, and which stands in stark large Imperial German gunboat (later other young Muslims, who took advan­ Eventually, the painting ended up in a contrast to its surroundings. raised and used on Lake Tanganyika tage of his exquisite rug, to make their section chief's office, and he is quite But there is another railroad in Tan­ until a few years ago) not far from peace for the day. proud of it. zania, whose eastern terminus is not Ujiji, where Stanley met Livingston 13 I watched all this in relaxed faShion so spectacular, but which has played a years after Sir Richard Burton pitched until the last of my L omotil pills lost Cacography Came NaturaUy vital role in the history of transporta­ tent to explore the lake in 1858. its power. What followed was a record­ breaking broad jum}5 towarB the door. . Over the years, Sackett discovered tion in that part of the world. I rode Marching to Tabora The patience and understanding of that cacography came naturally to him, this unforgettable express. and his barely legible scrawl became a This is the Kigoma railway, officially those at prayer proved beyond doubt The railroad was finished in 1914, that, in spite of cultural differences, coveted "Authorized Signature" on named the Central Line. and now forms a part of the East dozens of forms. Form 51 was his I knew immediately who was going mankind has sympathy for their fellow African Railways. The year it was fin­ men who are in a pinch. favorite. to get the upper bunk when my room­ ished also happened to be the time an He played both sides' of that game. mate-a burly, six foot-six Arab with obscure archduke was assassinated at Not only would he authorize purchases flowing gowns, arms laden with baskets of food, utensils, and rug~ntered the compartment of the train. His impres­ Sarajevo, and this German line was one of the first targets of the British forces Visitor from and services that no prudent office head would approve, but he also issued in Kenya to the north. According to denials of such requests. From the sive appearance, however, did not to­ tally distract me from the scene out­ Charles Miller in his marvellous book, The Lunatic Express, their objective London School Supply Room, the Procurement Office, the Travel Office, Programming and side-the five-times-a-week ritual at was evidently the German Central Line Budgeting, Administrative Services, the Kigoma railway station where the and the key town of Tabora. Their war and even some Vice Presidents' offices town gathered to prepare for the de­ song, to the tune of Marching Through flowed the deadly directives of Gran­ parture of the East African version of Georgia, went like this: ville T. Sackett, (Uh, it's hard to make the Orient Express. out the penmanship, but that is "Sac­ The railroad is all-important to the Hooray, hooray, we're 00 to G.E.A . kett" on the dotted line, isn't it?) extreme western region of Tanzania, Hooray, hooray, the squareheads Still, where would we be without as there is no East/West road connect­ we will slay him? Whom would we blame when ing Kigoma with Tabora and the pro­ And so we sing this happy song things go wrong? When it (whatever posed new capital of Dodoma. Maybe Upon this happy day "it" happens to be) gets lost, arrives some day there will be one, but, for As we go marching to Tabora. late, doesn't get done, draws Man­ the time being, contact is maintained agement's wrath, doesn't work, costs by a sometimes-once-a-week flight Well, the British never got there. too much, or tastes bad, we can point from Dar es Salaam, and this improb­ (The Belgians did, two years later.) a stigmatizing finger at Sackett and­ able one-track railway line which ter­ But I went through Tabora on my way presto!-we're as innocent as babes. minates at the Kaiserwilhelm Banhof. back to Dar es Salaam after a visit to Professor RaU Dahrendorf Despite his frequent impishness, he has At the Kaiser what? Well, besides the region where IDA is helping fi­ Professor Ralf Dahrendorf, Director surely saved all our necks at some point a few older residents of the local mis­ nance a rural development project. of the London School of Economics, and we should be grateful. sionary and at least one aging mer­ For two nights and a day, one rides gave a seminar in the Bank on the We should also quit circulating chant on Main Street (Patrice Lumum­ in fair comfort over a single track EEC's relations with the Third World defamatory rumors about Sackett. To ba Blvd.) who gives change in heller, which runs over 800 miles--certainly recently. He also met Mr. McNamara. begin with, he is not this or that Vice not many refer to it by that name; but better off than in many runs over U.S. Professor Dahrendorf has served as President, nor this or that department it does appear on a faded sign inside lines. And because of my new Arabian a member of the Commission on Euro­ director; he would hardly be expected the station master's office, on an iron friend (who had been living in Ujiji for pean Communities, where he was re­ to accept obvious authority. Look safe made in Hamburg in 1880, and 39 years), our compartment was the sponsible for education, science, and much lower in our hierarchy for the on some yellowed stationery in a corner center of attention for most of the research. His publications include chief cacographer. Look around in the of the storeroom. And you wouldn't Muslims riding the train, those hanging Class and Class Conflict in an Indus­ next office, or at the desk next to yours . mistake it when surveying the station's around the station at each stop, and trial Society (1959), Essays in the Look deep into your own desk, into architecture: right out of Ingleheim or those standing along the tracks at num­ Theory of Society (1968), Homo So­ your own heart. Hoecht-a typical, turn-of-the-century, erous unscheduled delays along the ciologicus (1973), and The New Lib­ Pick up a pen and sign it! Go ahead! small-town German station. hot, dusty, Tanzanian plateau. erty (1974). Nobody but Sackett will ever know! December 1975 Bank Notes Page 3 Women's Group ... Cont'd resolutions, one of which calls on the Where Do We Go from Here? U.N. agencies to include in their proj­ It is hoped that the momentum of ect and program documents a state­ the Conference will carryover at the ment of how the proposed project or national and regional levels and pro­ program will affect women as partici­ vide the necessary incentive for women pants or beneficiaries. to act in their own home environment. As we all know, the Conference was The U.N. itself can do little to imple­ enonnous and became politicized at ment the Plan of Action directly but the outset with reference to racism and can focus attention on the problem. alien domination. A division devel­ It is up to the governments to make a oped between those delegations which start at implementing the Action Plan felt that the 4'New International Eco­ and up to women to influence their nomic Order" would have to be governments. One way to bring this achieved before anything could be about would be to establish national done about improving the condition commissions and set up women's bu­ of women, and those which argued reaus as a transitional · measure until that it was high time to do something the goals have been reached. about women's status immediately, Obviously, the Bank is concerned without waiting for a change in eco­ with the status of women. As a mem­ nomic relationships among and within ber of the U.N. family, it prepared a countries. Paper for the Conference setting forth the evolution in the character of its Michael Hoffman Shirley Boskey The difference between the priorities lending over the years, which has made as seen by women in the industrialized necessary as well as desirable a more Michael Hoffman will retire at the Shirley Boskey will succeed Michael countries and by those in the develop­ explicit consideration by the Bank of end of the year after 16 years of serv­ Hoffman as Director of the Interna­ ing nations was forcefully brought out. women's role in economic and social ice with the Bank. He is Director of tional Relations Department in early For women in developing countries, development. A booklet, entitled the International Relations Depart­ December. it is often a matter of bare survival, Integrating Women into Development, ment. Mrs. Boskey joined the Bank as a getting enough food and clothing and based on this Paper was subsequently Mr. Hoffman joined the Bank in member of the Technical Assistance a measure of sanitation-as it is for published by the Information and Pub­ 1957 as the second Director of the and Liaison Staff in 1954. A graduate the men-while "Western" women's lic Affairs Department. Economic Development Institute. He of Vassar, she attended Columbia Law concerns are at a wholly different level, remained with the Bank until 1963, School and received an Ll.B. from What is now the best way for the for instance, equal pay for equal work. and returned as Associate Director of George Washington University. She is Bank to proceed? the Development Services Department the "author of "Problems and Practices This is a difficult question which in 1965. of Development Banks," and has writ­ Major Areas of Concern requires careful thought, particularly Before joining the Bank, Mr. Hoff­ ten or coauthored articles for Finance since Bank activity must take place man was, for 11 years, the European and Development. Two of the most critical areas for within the framework of each coun­ economic correspondent for the New Mrs. Boskey represented the Bank the status of women, it was felt at the try's specific religious, cultural, and so­ York Times. He has a Bachelor's de­ at the recent International Women's Conference, are education and family cial beliefs and attitudes. gree from Oberlin College and a Ph.D. Year Conference in Mexico City. She life. Equitable educational opportuni­ ties for women should be a matter of One proposal from the audience at in economics from the University of will be the Bank's first woman depart­ the panel discussion was that the Bank Chicago. ment bead. top priority. Special emphasis should should let it be known that it is in­ be placed on education in ,rural areas terested in projects specifically for the where girls and women are to be purpose of upgrading the status of brought into the national life and be taught modern methods of agricultural production and the use of mechanical women. Also, it was suggested that if the Bank's special concern and Records and Communications awareness in this area were known, equipment. These programs would be equally important for both sexes and should be tailored to job opportunities governments may be more willing to implement some of the provisions of holds annual family picnic the Action Plan. (e.g., promoting nutrition and health education for boys as well as girls; Some of the Bank's projects are al­ making men more aware of the impor­ ready taking specific account of women tance of the mother's health to the and incorporate special components for well-being of the children). their benefit. Great care must be exer­ cised so that the development process Family life is directly influenced by does not discriminate against women the social and economic status of and does not eliminate traditional women, who should be infonned of the means of support for women without choices available to them. This will en­ providing for adequate or superior able them to make intelligent decisions substitutes, or for retraining. For ex­ regarding their responsibilities and the ample, land reform programs in cer­ spacing of children. tain countries preclude women from being property owners; ordinances re­ 1beTribune strict the use of homes for cottage in­ dustries or small businesses; and co­ At the Tribune meetings, the forum education sometimes is culturally un­ was more open, the general format be­ acceptable, which makes it necessary ing to have brief panel presentations at to provide sufficient schools for girls which a large audience participation and for programs specifically for the was invited. The split between devel­ training of women as teachers. oped and developing countries was equally evident here. However, there Eighteen..week-old R enan Follain, son of Marlene and Jean-Luc Follain (Bank, was a consensus that the welfare ap­ Beware, says Ross General R ecords), snoozes sidesaddle after briefly viewing the volleyball com­ proach is not enough, that women's The holiday season is a time petition at the annual Records and Communications Division family picnic. role as producers of goods and services when increases are noted in the About 100 staff and guests of the Bank Group's Records Management, Mail, needs acknowledgment, and that theft of both personal and Bank Messenger, Cable, and R esearch Files units attended the outing at the Bretton affirmative action is required in the de­ property, says Frank Ross of the Woods R ecreation Center on October 12. The main event was the perennially velopment effort to make women par­ Security Office. So, keep your purses popular soccer match, in which the Reds, captained by Luis Descaire (Mail, ticipants in the economic life of a close at hand and lock up small Messenger, and Chauffeur Section) defeated, by a score of 5 to 4, the Maroons, nation. Also, more infonnation should items of value when you leave your captained by Manuel Felice (Cable Section). Also featured were relay, wheel­ become available on the role of women office. barrow, and potato sack (pillow) races which were greatly enjoyed by children in various areas of endeavor. I and parents. Page 4 Bank Notes December 1975 Staff Association ... Cont'd In this connection, one of the things sues soon. We have, on several oc­ Bank Notes: The Staff Association I would like to see changed is the prac­ casions, discussed this with Manage­ has come a long way since it was Bank Notes: Some people say that tice of administering the staff personnel ment and they are pursuing the matter founded. What lies in the future for Bank staff are overcompensated in re­ files. A staff member should have the of employment of dependents of G(iv) the Association? lation to salaries of national agencies. right to see what is in his or her file. visa holders with the U.S. authorities What is the view of the Staff A ssocia­ AI-Khafaji: The Staff Association is We hope to initiate discussion with but have made little progress. tion? four years old now. It has passed the Management soon on the prospects of The recent policy change adopted first stage during which it has estab­ instituting an open file system. by the Bank-allowing employment in AI-Khafaji: Bank salaries are con­ lished itself as the representative of One has to make sure that if an the Bank of spouses of staff, including sidered high in dollar terms for staff Bank staff. It is now time to enter the open file policy is adopted, no second those holding G(iv) visas-is a major from developing countries but are second stage. So far, the Staff Associa­ secret file is kept. Safeguards would change and is to be commended. comparable to salary levels in devel­ tion and Management have worked on have to be developed also to ensure oped countries. However, compared Bank Notes: What about education a kind of "gentleman's agreement." that such a system would not inhibit with those in national civil services, benefits? The Staff Association should now try supervisors from writing anything of Bank staff are considerably behind in to formalize its role in the decision­ substance. Management now encour­ AI-Khafaji: Only about 500 of the benefits. For instance, national staff making proces_s within the Bank. ages supervisors to show the staff the Bank's staff enjoy these benefits. If the enjoy superior educational, medical, Where we are going from this point performance evaluation. It is only log­ Bank's intention is that the benefits and other benefits which have mone­ depends on how successful the p.res­ ical to take the next step and adopt should be more widely used than at tary value; if they are in government ent form of Staff Association will be in the open file system. present, restrictions would have to be service they have much prestige be­ fulfilling staff aspirations and to what cause of their status; they and their Bank Notes: A mong the benefits the eliminated. This means expansion of extent Management is willing to ac­ families live in their own culture. On staff enjoy is the pension. What is the the eligibility for these benefits to cover commodate staff views. Whether we the other hand, work in the Bank is higher education and for both U.S. will continue in the present form or Staff Association's position on this demanding, requires, in many cases, subject? nationals and expatriate staff. We have evolve into a sort of trade union is still frequent travel for fairly long periods, discussed this issue with Management in the crystal ball. and calls for residence in an alien en­ AI-Khafaji: We look at the pension last year and we hope to have further vironment. The Bank would not be contributions as part of the contractual discussions during this year's compen­ able to attract and retain qualified staff agreement at the time of recruitment. sation review. unless they are compensated for the We would like to see some improve­ Bank Notes: In early 1974, Boyle/ loss of these advantages. ments in the pension plan specifically KirKman Associates made a report to in the area of improved withdrawal benefits. the Bank. In the report was an "action program" designed to increase signifi­ We would also like to see that the cantly the utilization of women in pro­ pension committees have full indepen­ fessional positions in the Bank. What dence in the administration of the plan benefits and funds. The Staff headway has the Bank made here? Association has only one representa­ AI-Khafaji: As a Chinese saying tive on each of the nine-member ad­ has it, a journey of a thousand miles ministrative and finance committees. must begin with a single step. The Bank We hope that the number of our repre­ has taken more than one step but the sentatives will be increased to at least journey is still a long one. Manage­ one-third of the committee. The fi­ ment has formed a team of three per­ nance committee needs to be restruc­ sonnel officers to examine the prob­ A. Amir Al-Khafaji tured to ensure independence of pen­ lems associated with the recruitment of sion management. women. The recent policy statement A. Amir Al-Khafaji is Chairman of Bank Notes: About 3,000 Bank staff which allows the Bank to employ the Executive Committee of the Staff members come from abroad and hold spouses of Bank staff is also a positive Association. He joined the Bank in G(iv) visas issued to employees of in­ step with regard to the employment 1971 and served as an Engineer in the ternational organizations. The U.S. of more women staff. Water Supply Division of the former Government does not allow spouses or The extension of the vacancy post­ Public Utilities Department. Since the Bank Notes: Many Bank staff look children of such visa holders to take up ing system to include J-O levels (for­ reorganization, he has been in the to the Staff Association as a champion employment outside of international merly professional levels) was recom­ Water Supply and Sewerage Division, of their rights-the place to go to mended by the Staff Association. This EMENA Projects Department. A na­ organizations. What is the Staff Asso­ when they feel that they have been will make women staff who are mostly tive of Iraq, Mr. Al-Khafaji has a B.S. ciation doing about this issue? given a raw deal. Has the Staff Asso­ in the A-I levels aware of such va­ in civil engineering from the University ciation been able to help them? AI-Khafaji: Our Visa Working cancies and give them a chance to ap­ of Baghdad, Iraq, and a Ph.D. in civil Group is presently considering the ply for them. We are also discussing transportation from Iowa State Univer­ AI-Khafaji: Yes, we have been able complex problems of G(iv) visa hold­ with Management on the other recom­ sity. He served as Secretary of the Staff to assist several staff members who ers. We hope to develop recommenda­ mendations of the Delegate Assembly Association in 1974 and was elected felt that they have been treated un­ tions for resolution of some of the is- on this issue. Chairman in June 1975. justly. In fact, this is one of the most satisfying aspects of working with the Staff Association. The Bank is a large organization employing over 4,000 people but un­ Jubileers fortunately there is no formal mecha­ nism for making appeals. It is true that an ad hoc appeals procedure exists for termination of employment. How­ ever, problems begin not with termina­ tion but with performance reviews. The Staff Association has advocated consistently the need for a standing appeals committee. Recently, we have received a draft proposal from Man­ agement for an appeals procedure and we are pleased that Management is moving in that direction. We are elected by the staff as their advocates. There are bound to be conflicting views between us and Man­ agement. To reconcile these views, we rely primarily on the art of persuasion. We have no other practical leverage. We believe that what we advocate is in the best interests, not only of the staff, Jean B. De Boeck Barend A. de Vries Rhona Johnston but also of the Bank. 20 years, December 1975 20 years, December 1975 20 years, December 1975 December 1975 Bank Notes Page 5 GWUmakes Potpourri-People and Places heart study in Bank Comings and Goings - Dragoslav A vramovic from Geneva (he was sec­ Mrs. Westebbe is married to Richard Westebbe, who is leader of the Plan­ onded to UNCTAD) to the Office of ning Advisory Team in Kinshasa and Bank and Fund staff between the the Vice President, Development Pol­ has been there since September 1974. ages of 21 and 59 participated iti a icy; Miss Samiha S. Hanna from ~ medical screening conducted at the EMENA County Programs II, to the Mary Bharier (he,r husband, Julian, Bank for a heart disease study on Resident Mission in Riyadh, Saudi wrote the Timbuktu story for us last October 24. The study is part of a Arabia; and David P. Lomax from month) tells us that about 80 people, nationwide program sponsored by the Eastern Africa, Projects, to the East­ Bank wives and guests, attended the U.S. Heart and Lung Institute and ern Africa Regional Office in Dar es first of the new series of WIVES semi­ J/as undertaken by the Coronary Pre­ Salaam, Tanzania. nars at the Eugene R. Black Auditori­ vention Project of the George Wash­ Also, Russell J. Cheetham from um on October 22. Margarita Russell, ington University Medical Center. East Asia and Pacific, Country Pro­ Professor of Art Histo.ry at George­ A second screening is scheduled for grams, to Manila as Project Manager/ town University, spoke on "Dutch December 9 for the benefit of about Team Leader (UNDP Advisers); and Women Painters in the Golden Age." 250 staff who missed the first screen­ Anton Rychener from Western Africa, Professor Russell is the author of a ing. Projects, to Lagos (Oil Palm Project). recent book on Jan van der Cappelle, A total of 1,080 staff members took Retirements in December - Gayle a 17th century Dutch painter. part in the first screening, according Davis (Administrative Services) and to Dr. John C. LaRosa, Director of the ~ Jaime Besa Michael Hoffman (Inte,mational Rela­ Coronary Prevention Project. The tions). Elsewhere in this issue we are print­ number was about 400 more than had When Jaime Besa died suddenly, ing a cartoon. This time we have re­ ~ been expected. after a brief illness, on October 31, he membered to run the head it is sup­ had just returned to Washington from Some people do have a long mem­ posed to appear under. We regret to The staff began standing in line for a Bank education mission in Brazil. ory, we must admit. Around this time say that Anderson's World has come the screening in the Eugene R. Black His role in the education sector called last year, we wrote about the Bank's to an end as far as Bank Notes is con­ Auditorium from 9 A.M. for his creativity as an architect and Travel Office. We said that if you were cerned. The screening consisted of a choles­ after a round-trip ticket to London or terol count. and a blood pressure test. his long expertise as a teacher, univer­ For the past two and a half years, sity professor, and dean of the School Montgomery, Alabama, the Travel Mrs. Rachel Anderson has drawn car­ For the cholesterol count, each par­ people can help you out. But if you ticipant gave a small test tube full of of Architecture at the Catholic Univer­ toons for us and we appreciated them sity in his beloved Chile. want to know whether the Lake George not only for the humor but also for blood. fer,ry is still running in December be­ Participants stood in the long line Jaime brought alI this valuable ex­ filling the hole in the page and breaking fore you buy that ticket to Burlington, the monotony of the text. awaiting their turns stoically. Some perience to his work at the Bank. He Vermont, please walk up to the Ameri­ read magazines or official papers while quickly familiarized himself with the Mrs. Anderson was a "temporary." can Express office on 18th Street to We say good-bye, and hope a bright others chatted. The line moved slowly Bank's procedures and development get the answer. toward the tables where two-member strategies, particularly with those re­ new future lies ahead of her. Now Mr. Barker of the American screening teams worked to the accom­ lated to education projects on which Express office here will tell you that ~~ paniment of the short whoosh-whoosh he worked for nearly five years. the ferry (actually it is a sight-seeing Last December, we apologized to of the inflator and the sharp zipping Through his language skills, he was boat running the 30 miles f.rom Lake our authors for our inability to publish of the arm band as it was ripped off able to put to good use his wide archi­ George to Fort Ticonderoga, where their contributions promptly. We ex­ the participant's arm after the blood tectural experience in developing coun­ 200 years ago the Green Mountain plained that only four times a year is pressure was read. tries where Spanish, Portuguese, boys got into truly revolutionary spirit Bank Notes a full, eight-page paper. Tests results are confidential, but French, and English are spoken. He after they broke into the British garri­ Six times a year, it must share its pages will be mailed to each participant. If had a sound grasp of outstanding is­ son's wine cellar) does not run in De­ with Report. Thus, we had to defer the cholesterol level is high, triglucer­ sues. The suggestions and alternative cember. publishing contributions. For instance, ides (another blood fat) will also be solutions he proposed were solidly "We are now able to handle any per­ one article finally made this issue al­ tested. based, well structured, readily avail­ sonal travel needs of Bank staff from though it was received over a year ago. Those staft members who are se­ able, and at times he was even out­ an American Express tour to a round­ As the year draws to a close, we lected to participate further in the spoken. For all this, but most of all for the-world cruise," says Dan Goren, want to thank all our authors and program will receive a complete phys­ his qualities as a gentleman and for Assistant Manager of the American readers, and those who worked with ical examination every year, electro­ his friendship, his colleagues and Express office in the Bank. If Reg us on Bank Notes as well as those cardiograms taken at rest and while friends will miss him. Barker's line is busy, you might call who gave us advice. We wish them all exercising, and continuous health mon­ Jaime is survived by his widow, Mrs. Priscilla Darden. The extension is a Merry Christmas. itoring. They will be informed of the Carmen, and five children, Juan (23), 2530. results, and will receive early treat­ Jose (21), Pelayo (19), Pilar (17), and ~ ment of their cholesterol based on the Carmen (12). To them, his friends Barbara Westebbe writes from Kin­ scientific findings of the study. Thus, and colleagues extend their deepest shasa: they will have a better chance of avoid­ sympathy. "The International Women's Club ing heart attacks. Aurelio Cespedes of Kinshasa is working for the annual Christmas bazaar which raises money for scholarships and medical aid to schools and hospitals in Zaire. The Club needs old jewelry, sequins, braid, pearls, buttons, cloth large enough to Bank Notes is published by and make a stuffed animal, yam for hair for the staff of the World Bank and for knitting, etc. Group ten times yearly in the De­ "It also needs, for sale at the booth partment of Information and Public for school children, all sizes of shirts Affairs. Inquiries should be ad­ for boys and girls. School children in dressed to the Editor, room E-836. Zaire wear white shirts as part of their Contributions from staff members school uniforms. Why not send also a are welcomed. Deadline for letters package of garden seeds instead of the and articles (in which brevity is the season's greetings? soul of publishability) is the 12th of "Please send your gifts to the In­ each month. The Editor reserves the ternational Women's Club of Kinshasa, right, for reasons of space or clarity, c/o Lannon Walker, American Em­ to edit all copy without notifying the bassy of Kinshasa, A.P.O., New York, author in advance. N.Y. 09662. Editor __________....... _...___.. Kyaw Htun "Thanking you for any help you can Staff Photographer .... G. Franchini Quintin J. Ananthanayagam gets ready for the blood pressure reading. send, and with all good wishes." Page (; Bank Notes December 1975 Advice to mission wives ready for a cold look at your life. The You'll both have so many tensions fuller your life is, the more of yourself built up that you'll need to unwind. you develop, the less you lean on your Don't expect a revolution after the Cut your hair, buy a magazine, husband and the more you bring to your marriage. So if you really are hav­ homecoming. Life is surprisingly like it was when he was away. The petty ing a hard time coping, ask yourself annoyances creep in. You've idealized but try not to buy chocolates if you have enough of a life of your own. The first days (and the last, in­ each other during separation, and re­ turning to reality is a jolt. One friend By Susan Gilpin you can only clean for so long. The first congruously) are the hardest. And it's confided that she and her husband day alone inevitably finds me polishing. hardest the first trip, or in a new home, want special treatment from each other Do you eat chocolates when your or with small children who get sick. because "my ordeal was greater." "Or­ husband's away? Look in the cellar for Don't be surprised if you break down a week or so before he goes. But with these considerations in mind, deal!" she hoots. "Hilton Hotels, while burglars and weep over his letters at sit down and consider if you want to I stayed home with the baby." He pro­ bedtime? You're not the only one. I It's normal. Go ahead and get the worry out in the open. He'll get used to develop your own identity more. When tests, "I'd rather sleep in my own bed used to, too. you're alone is a good time to analyze than in any hotel on earth." Once the But after six "junkets," or "mis­ it. The night before he leaves, go out and act. dust settles, try to reconcile conflicting sions," as my husband prefers to think to dinner with some good friends. De­ images of each other's life apart. of them, I have evolved a battle plan. parture is anticlimactic by that point. "C" for Choo Choo You're over the hump. That knot in It's not pedect but it helps me grow. The first day he's gone, go out and Are you killing time or developing the stomach is gone. I made my hus­ RULE NUMBER ONE: Nobody else do whatever it is that perks you up: yourself? I try not to be too hard on band promise he'd never go away is going to bail you out. Relatives and have your hair cut, buy a magazine, myself with this question. But regular again. But life didn't work out that old friends may invite you out occa­ build your ego. Try not to buy choco­ activities, whether he's there or away, way, and I'm getting better at staying sionally, but inner resources are the lates. do satisfy me the most. Sunday at our alone, being myself. only reliable ones. Next, get on the telephone and lay swinging church, Monday at the Now, think positively. You can on a smorgasbord of activities. Invite YWCA, Tuesday free from the kids . "Daddy, Daddy" cook all the things he dislikes. You can good friends to the theater that coming . By Wednesday, I'm glad to stay at A word on children. I found that experiment with impunity. You can weekend. Plan a birthday party or home alone-if you call being with talking openly with my son about eat when you want and leave your Halloween party or whatever party two preschoolers alone. (One friend daddy's being away helped me accept projects all over the house. You can for your children. Ring up a long-lost once found herself looking up "Penn­ his absence better myself. (I hate to visit friends and relatives who bore friend and plan to get together. Week­ sylvania Railroad" in the Yellow Pages think of one little boy who saw his him. You will have time alone to dis­ ends are the loneliest, so be sure to under "C" for "choo choo.") father go away on an airplane. "Daddy, cover who you are, or want to be. plan something good. "There's some­ Fears magnify when he's away. No Daddy!" he called to every airplane, Exercise your freedom. Spend a little thing in a Sunday ... makes a feller wonder: you are alone facing the ulti­ pursuing it across the sky.) Children money on what you really want to do. feel alone," as "Sunday Morning Side­ mate uncertainties of life, both real and do need to be reassured that daddy's A class? Volunteer work? The arts? walk" laments, is all too true. imagined-burglars under the bed, air­ coming back. (In the case of one fam­ Now's your chance. As the weeks roll on, you must con­ plane crashes, that hurricane on the ily, it was mummy who was gone. Not Escape from the little irritations of tinue to "seize the day" and plan your 6 o'clock news. If it makes you feel reconciled to her trip himself, the marriage. The reasons for missing hus­ life deliberately. Invite someone over safer, pull the curtains, and lock the father never mentioned his absent wife bands are the reasons why we marry at least once a week. That way you doors at nightfall. Before retiring, to his daughter. What was she sup­ them. But you can't dwell on those have to clean the house and put on open every closet for a thorough in­ posed to think had happened to when they're away. So fill up on tapioca something besides "old faithful." Serve spection, and don't be furtive; after all, mummy?) and rye bread with caraway seeds when dinner to guests equally often: this no one's watching you. For his part, A few intimate friends, especially he's gone and you'll be ready for ensures one square meal a week. It figure that no news is good news: women friends and entire families, are months without them _when he's back. also relieves the peculiarity of being you'd be called if anything happened. invaluable when your husband's away. Now, the plan. Before he goes away, the only one without a bib at meal­ Before his return, plan an evening So are relatives, especially ones within go out and buy whatever you need for time. Some activities will generate with friends for a day or two after he's visiting distance. No reason to martyr your hobby. Plan to sew, garden, paint others. Don't refuse invitations just back. You'll both be extra glad he's yourself. But ultimately you do have to like mad. You can get lots done. because he's gone: the feeling of naked­ home. Also try to plan a special eve­ go back to the empty house. If your There's something therapeutic about ness at social engagements will pass. ning alone so you can both talk. But own life, your own projects await you, cleaning, and it's so inexpensive, but Over the initial shock, you are now for the first evening, plan nothing. it's that much easier. ola), Hans Hittmair (violoncello), and sody for one of the programs. Chamber Inusic performers three of their friends will present Schubert's "Trout Quintet" and Ute Currently, the Bank/Fund Chamber Music Performers have around 25 give first lunch-hour concert Jahr will sing some lieder from the Ro­ mantic period. members. Interested staff and their family members are cordially invited The .remaining two programs will be to participate. The more members, the By Karl G. Jahr quis" from "Die Fledermaus" by Jo­ in March and early June. There has more concerts! It would be wonderful During the past years, every now hann Strauss and the aria of vengeance been some discussion between Jean to have a sufficient number of inter­ and then a lunch-hour chamber music from Mozart's "The Magic Flute." Tarnawiecki and the author about hav­ ested performers to have a concert concert has been pedormed by some James Selway again was the accompa­ ing some participation by members of every month between October and Bank or Fund staff members. It was nist. The concert concluded with the Bank/Fund Choral Society in a June, thus making the lunch-hour con­ not until last year, when Rex Brown­ Rossini's musical joke of a "Comic performance of Brahms's Alto Rbap­ cert a regular activity. ing started to organize chamber music Cat Duet" sung by Ute Jahr and activities, that a group got together in­ Meenakshi Bove. formally and pedormed such a concert About 200 'people attended the con­ once more. cert held in the Eugene R. Black Au­ In spring this year, Rex Browning ditorium. Inspired by the success of and I talked about another concert and this concert and the reaction of the we started to approach some of the audience, plans emerged to have these people who had formerly been ac­ concerts more frequently. Members of tive in this field. As a result there was the Bank/Fund Chamber Music .Per­ a concert on June 6 by the Bank/Fund formers got together and decided to Chamber Music Performers. The con­ have a total of four concerts between cert started with Mezzo soprano Ute November 1975 and June 1976. The J ahr accompanied by James Selway, first concert was held on November 20 presenting "Dido's Lament" by Pur­ and featured Mozart's Concerto No. 4 cell, two Mozart leider, and "Mon for French Horn played by Robert Coeur s'ouvre a ta Voix" from "Sam­ Tucker and Frederic Gamble. Soprano son et Delilah" by Saint-Saens. Then, Paula Browning, accompanied by Peter Eigen (clarinet), Hans Hittmair David Green at the piano sang an aria (violoncello), and Jutta Eigen (piano) from Mozart's "Entfiihrung aus dem played a clarinet trio by Beethoven. Serail," and songs by Strauss, Arne, Peter Eigen (clarinet), Julta Eigen (piano), and Hans Hiltma;r (violoncello) Soprano Meenakshi Bove continued and Boyce, and some English fol ksongs have good reason to look pleased because they have just per/ormed a Beethoven with selections from Dvorak's "Gypsy arranged by Benjamin Britten. clarinet trio at the first lunch-hour concert given by the newly revived Bank/ Songs," followed by "My Dear Mar­ In January, Manfred Beutgen (vi­ Fund Chamber Music Performers. December 1975 Bank Notes Page 7 Squash Club--The Squash Club has been dormant too long! Although Bank Calendar we have no official facilities, we know there are many men and women in the Bank and Fund who would like to play more often but have difficulty in finding partners. Bowling League-One of our new bowlers, Joanne Spina, offered her So let's get together in a Winter 1975/76 Knockout Tournament and opinion on our bowling league and I hope when you read it that it will then later, if people are sufficiently interested, we could start a Challenge encourage you to join. Here it is folks: Ladder. "Who says league bowling is fun? As a rookie, I was injected with It doesn't matter how bad (or good) you are, or what ball you play with, excitement and enthusiasm for the game, but nobody mentioned the or even which Club you belong to. Just Call Rosemary Braddon (extension frustrations: pointy, tight bowling shoes with laces that constantly untie; 6775) for a tournament entry form. tuna salad on soggy toast (with lettuce and tomato, of course) from the alley's snack bar; bowling balls that create severe contusions when Table Tennis Club--The first table tennis tournament of the season has dropped on your foot. Who needs this aggravation? Fortunately, the just started. Manual Felice is leading the action as tournament secretary. anguish is occasionally relieved and rewarded by a back-to-back strike; He has selected 10 teams of fou.r. If you would like to participate, call a team member finally 'controlling her curve;' or winning two out of Manuel (extension 2805). For information about the Club, call Lucila three from the number one team. (And besides, you can bring your own McKay (extension 2439, her new number). sandwich if you don't like soggy tuna!) In truth, I have quickly come to realize that the Bank Bowling League is a family. And for the most part, TGIF-Singles Club---Plans are under way for a New Year's Eve party. the members would no sooner miss a Wednesday night at the alley than Details will be announced soon. they would a payday. There's a term used for people like us. Yes, I believe the term is 'glutton for punishment.' Ann Moss, President Bridge Club-An engraved silver trophy was presented to Hugh Dowsett at the October 28 session of the Bridge Club. Dowsett, who works in cAlIS Tuesday, December 2-International Needlework will meet jointly with the International Cooking Group--Pamela Hanney, hostess, the Computing Activities Department of the Bank, was placed first in 2616 Shelby Lane, Falls Church, Virginia, 10.00 A.M. Bring food to share the Club's summer competition with an average percentage game of 63.72 at lunch. Tel: 560-4128. in 8 of the 12 sessions played from April 29 through October 14. Two Fund Wednesday, December 3-Seminar Committee-Talk by Ora Goitein staff members were close on his heels: Frank Maranto, a computer systems on "The Role of Women in Israeli Society", Eugene R. Black Auditorium, analyst (65 .52 percent), and Armando Ribas, of the Western Hemisphere 10.00 A.M . Department (62.49 percent). Both have won the trophy in previous com­ petitions. Friday, December 5-Special "Sint Nicolaas" coffee-Ellen van der The Bridge Club holds a duplicate session every othe,r Tuesday in the Heijden, hostess, 4419 - 47th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. Tel: 362­ Fund, to which staff members of the Fund and Bank and their friends are 2468. invited. Phone Patrick B. de Fontenay (extension 6028) to sign up for a game. Saturday, December 6-Weekend Activities-Informal group visit to the Botanical Gardens to see a show of Christmas tree decorations, 3.00 P.M. Choms--Under the directorship of Jean Tamawiecki, the members of the Chorus plan to present their Christmas program in the Bank, 12th Floor Tuesday, December 9-Maryland Open House-See WIVES News­ Court, E Building, at 12.30 P.M. on Friday, December 12; and in the Fund, letter for name of hostess. 2nd Floor Atrium, at 12.30 P.M. on Monday, December 15, and Wednes­ Tuesday, December 9-Christmas Luncheon in Virginia-Cherrydale day, December 17. Methodist Church, 3701 Lorcom Lane, Arlington, Virginia (corner of The program will present four centuries of sacred motets and cantatas, Lorcom Lane and Nellie Custis Drive), Noon to 2.00 P.M. together with a selection of Christmas carols for audience participation. The works are: "In Ecclesiis" by Giovanni Gabridi, 1557-1612: "Lobet den Wednesday, December lO-Seminario en espafiol-"Posicion de la Herrn" by Johann Sebastian Bach, 1685-1750; "Offertorium" and "Ecce mujer en Latinoamerica desde los puntos de vista Politico, Social y de Sacerdos" by Anton Bruckner, 1824-1896; and "Christmas Cantata" by Salud," Board Room A1100, 9.30 A.M. Daniel Pinkham, contemporary. Wednesday, December lO-Dutch Literature Group-Lousewies van A preview performance may be heard on Sunday, December 7, when the der Laan, hostess, 6511 Topeka Road, McLean, Virginia, 10.00 A.M. Chorus wil sing selected pieces of the program, as appropriate, during the Tel: 356-7556. 10.30 A.M. mass at the Church of the Immaculate Conception, on N Street at 7th, N.W. Saturday, December 13-Children's Party-ages 3 through 8, D Build­ AmyF. Green ing Cafeteria, 2.00 to 4.00 P.M. Sunday, December 14-Weekend Activities-Special Christmas chil­ Field Hockey Club--At the Eleventh John F. Kennedy Memorial dren's movies at National Institutes of Health, "Babs in Toyland." Field Hockey Championship games held from October 10 to 13, the men's Thursday, December 18--Cultural Arts Committee-Folger Theatre, team reached the championship final for the 9th to 16th ranked teams Shakespeare's "Comedy of Errors." Reception at 6.30 P.M., performance from the preliminary rounds of competition, losing the final 1-0 to the begins 8.00 P.M. Halifax Hawks from Canada. The · men's team played seven games over the three days. The women's team competed in four very exciting games Saturday, December 20-Party for 9, 10, and 11-year-olds-2.00 to against the Washington F ield Hockey Association, Downingtown Field 4.00 P.M. Eugene R. Black Auditorium. Bring a gift to exchange. The Hockey Club, Pennsylvania, Outaouais of Ontario, Canada (the winners gift should not cost more than $2. Please reply no later than December 12. of the championship) and the West Indies International, New York. Sunday, December 21-Weekend Activities-Tour of Kennedy Center, The highlight of the tournament was the men's final for the J. F. Ken­ 11.00 A.M. Lunch afterwards and a free concert at 2.00 P.M. For further nedy Memorial Trophy between the Pakistan International Airlines team information, call WIVES office. Tel: 477-5737. and the Lyons from London. P akistan won 5-0. Friday, January 2, 1976--Christmas/New Year Jaunt-for 12 and 13­ year-olds. Hike along C&O Canal to Bretton Woods. Bring gift worth no Ski CJob--New Year's trip to Killington, Vermont (December 30-J anu­ more than $2 to exchange with another. Refreshments at Bretton Woods. ary 4). Package includes round trip transportation, lodging (four to a room; two to a room slightly higher), two meals daily, New Year's Eve party, lift tickets for five days of skiing. Cost $170. One day of leave will be necessary. ' Women's Studies Bookshelf-All staff are welcome to borrow from the Deposits of $30 are being accepted now to hold reservations. Contact Chris­ Women's Studies Bookshelf located in room C302. The bookshelf's selec­ tina Imhoof (extension 5720/H810) for further information. tions include: Plans are being formulated for three-day weekend packages to New Unbought and Un bossed by Shirley Chisholm England and one-day trips to local areas. Watch the Bulletin Board and the The Young Woman's Guide to Liberation by Karen DeCrow Jennie by Ralph Martin Weekly B ulletin for upcoming ski trips. F or preseason indoor ski lessons (GLM Method) at a reduced rate, con­ Donations to the bookshelf would be greatly appreciated. tact Margaret Saukel (extension 2341). In particular, we are looking for copies of: There will be ice skating every Wednesday evening at the Village House Combat in the Erogenous Zone by Ingrid Bengis Rink in Falls Church, Virginia. Contact Tenley Jones (extension 2017). The Feminine Mystique by Betty Friedan The Female Eunuch by Germaine Greer Interested in joining the . Ski Club? Contact Gwen Kelley (extension 6917/D640). Please contact C. Ely-Hachana (extension 5852, room C302). Page 8 Bank Notes December 1975 Letters to Anderson's World . .. the editor Staff Development In regard to Part IV of the Staff Association Series (Bank Notes, No­ vember 1975), I read: h years of work "So far in the 2 1 of the Staff Development Com­ mittee, the most important achievement has been in educat­ ing ourselves on the problems of staff development." What wonderful news and how en­ couraging! May one assume that the Committee's education is now com­ pleted? If not, how many more semes­ ters will be needed before graduation? L. Peter Chatenay Employment of Spouse I was pleased to learn that Bank policy regarding employment of spouses has been changed. But the reason given for this change disturbs me: ". . . the TRENDS OF CIVILI­ ZATION .. . have led us to reconsider our policy" (my caps, and who is "us", by the way?). I clearly "need further clarification of this matter." I would be interested I'll see your rural development project and raise you two fertilizer plants. in seeing a copy of the background study or Working Paper probably en­ titled "Recent Developments and earth common sense. They bah-hum­ three floors above that point the walls For whatever it is worth, we add our Long Term T.rends of Civilization"-I bug most furiously-and curiously­ are vertical. confirmation after a personal inspec­ trust there is such a paper-as I am nearly anything that deviates in the "As the famous architect, Frank tion. To judge the slope of the outer perhaps not fully aware of those trends slightest from the conventional wis­ Lloyd Wright, once said, 'There is walls of D Building, we used as and their possible implications for dom; as, for example, when exterior nothing new, only a new way to do plumb lines the vertical lines of the Bank life. l am particularly interested walls gracefully taper. They obviously things.' The sloping walls of D Build­ windows on the Park Plaza Hotel in knowing which civilization and what need to be rebalanced. Their percep­ ing were apparently the building de­ Building on 18th Street and of 1800 G period are considered to be relevant tual mechanism needs retooling. The signer's way of 'doing something dif­ Street where the Economic Develop­ for this kind of policy decision. world is not flat. Life is not all input ferent,' with the effect achieved." ment Institute is located.-The Editor. G. Thiebach and output. The outer walls of D Building are not, repeat not, perpendic­ Architecture ular. Therefore, could you the Editors of My colleagues and I disagree. It ap­ Bank Notes bring to this problem the pears to be merely an error of the resources of your magnificent research senses. But I am convinced that it is staff and introduce an authoritative de­ more profound, evolving from the dis­ termination. Are or are not the walls crepancy between a balanced, valid of D Building crooked? Or, do I need view of the world (mine) and their a new pair of glasses? philosophical meandering about. Thank you. The exterior walls of D Building Jacob Meerman taper slightly to give an illusion of in­ creased height. Near the base of the Post Scriptum. You might even pro­ walls, the taper is quite pronounced. vide us with a bit of an article on the My colleagues disagree. They are very, Bank's buildings and their architec\ure very certain that the walls are, have -a real challenge that! been, and ever shall be completely per­ pendicular from the roof to the street. William H. Lillie, Jr., confirms our Indeed, they make great sport of me. letter writer's observation as follows. They put such questions as "When did Mr. Lillie is an architect in the Build­ you first notice this certain sloping or ings and Operations Section in the A d­ bending?" "Is it stronger after you ministrative Services Department. have eaten pea soup?" My discomfiture "You may take comfort in that your in replying provides them with much present glasses are apparently still sat­ glee. isfactory. I refer to your inquiry as to I enjoy providing a certain amount the vertical planarity, or the lack there­ of gaiety on these weighty premises. of, of the walls of D Building. They do, Nevertheless, I believe that they are in fact, taper inward as you suggest. wrong. And that if their error were "Without attempting to surmise as convincingly pointed out to them, it to the designer's real reason to splay would serve as a moral for improve­ the exterior walls inward, the fact is ment. You see, my colleagues are hy­ that they do. In the 121'3" height from brid. Their roots are in an ancient civ­ the second floor to the top of the roof ilization well known for its dedication parapet there is a 1'6" set back from to the magical, the visionary, the meta­ the vertical in all four directions. This physical, the wonderful, and even the occurs from the second floor, above the beautiful. With their grafted Western first floor battered plinth wall, through outlook, they react to their origins by the tenth floor in a segmented curve, HI f you use the vertical lines of the windows of 1800 G, you will find that the puffing entirely too much down-to­ which is asymtotic in nature. For the walls of D Building do curve a bit . . ."