2.3  Archival history   The World Bank adopted a central filing system in 1946.  One of the four parts of the central file was “Operational Files” which contained records relating to the management of Bank operations in a region plus separate files for operations in each country.  In 1972, the “Operational Files” were removed from the central file and separate filing centers for each region were established under the general control of the central files unit.  The regional file centers were discontinued in 1998 and the regional and country files were transferred to the archives. All records-keeping since 1998 is the responsibility of the regional office.  During the period of the central filing system, many offices also kept separate working files.  These files are included in this fonds.

3.1 Scope and content   The Operational Correspondence and General Country Files document the Bank’s involvement in the overall economic and political development of the region through its IBRD/IDA lending programs and through cooperative efforts with the United Nations and the World Health Organization.  Also documented are activities of other multilateral organizations involved in the development of the region.  The General Country Files document regional progress in the population, transportation, agriculture, health and nutrition, urban development, irrigation, water supply and sewerage, energy and power, telecommunications, and tourism sectors.

3.3   Accruals   Accruals are expected.

3.4 Arrangement   Arranged in the following series:

                                  Operational Correspondence, 1950-1971, 5.83 linear feet

                                  General Country Files: Asia “General”, 1972-1986, 6.6 linear feet

                                  General Country Files: East Asia and Pacific Region, 1972-1986, 13.33 linear
                                  feet

                                  Operational Vice Presidents’ Meeting File, 1982-1986, 1.5 linear feet

                                  Comments and Speeches Prepared by the Chief Economist, Asia Region,
                                  1984-1991, 1.25 linear feet
 
In addition, 16 sub-fonds, each containing the records of a single office, include series that have at least some records dating before 1987.

4.1 Conditions of access   Records are subject to the World Bank Policy on the Disclosure of Information.

4.2 Conditions of reproduction   Records are subject to the Copyright Policy of the World Bank Group.

4.3 Language/scripts   English

4.4 Finding aids  Annotated list of organizational units with series that include files predating 1987.

5.3  Related units of description WB IBRD/IDA 01, Country Operational Files, 1946-1998; WB IBRD/IDA 07, Records of the South Asia Regional Office; WB IBRD/IDA 77, Records of the Philippines Country Office

7.2 Rules or conventions    Internal World Bank Group Archives rules 
7.3 Date(s) of descriptions  2004-06-22