Sec. 1. Requests for assistance involving legal defense may be made to the International President. No disbursements for legal defense shall be made from the General Fund except for the legal defense of Local Unions (on behalf of their members) or for the defense of the I.B.E.W. or an International Officer or Representative whose activity in the interest of the I.B.E.W. and in conformity with its laws results in legal involvement. All requests for legal assistance will be investigated by the I.P. and shall be subject to his approval and review by the l.E.C.