Paul Wolfowitz begs for his job

The White House earlier reiterated its support for Wolfowitz, but opened the door for whatever action the World Bank board might take.

"All options are on the table," spokesman Tony Snow said.

The New York Times, citing various unnamed government and World Bank officials, reported late on Tuesday that the Bush administration was floating the idea of Wolfowitz resigning voluntarily if the bank board drops its drive to declare him unfit to remain in office.

The administration's approach was outlined in a telephone conference call between the Treasury Department and economic ministries in Japan, Canada and Europe, but "appeared to gain few immediate supporters," the newspaper said in its online edition.

"The staff now is basically in open revolt," a former World Bank employee said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

"If the board would drop the charges and then he didn't go, the board would have an unmanageable situation," the former employee said.

The executive directors "would have to reach a private agreement that he is going to go," he added.