1. By a Notice of Arbitration dated 31 August 2001, Claimant First Eagle SoGen Funds, Inc. (“First Eagle”) initiated proceedings against Respondent Bank for International Settlements (the “Bank”), and on 7 September 2001, the Tribunal held a preparatory conference, at which it directed the parties to confer with respect to the scheduling of proceedings and to report on those discussions by, as later extended, 21 September 2001.