Mr Cameron and Chancellor George Osborne have already spoken to BP's chairman, Carl-Henric Svanberg, about the crisis.

BBC: BP criticism not about nationality, says Obama

Now, under Carl-Henric Svanberg, a leader from outside telecom but not outside the tight Swedish business elite, the prospects have brightened.

FORBES: Another Look

However, Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg said no decisions would be made on the second-quarter payout before July 27, when the company announces its earnings for the period.

WSJ: BP Takes Heat From Two Sides on Dividend

Hellstrom last month announced he would retire and will be replaced by Carl-Henric Svanberg , the head of lockmaker Assa Abloy , effective April 8.

FORBES: Magazine Article

As for the company, BP can name its recently appointed Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg as interim ceo while the board decides on who ultimately gets the job.

FORBES: BP's Hayward Is A Goner

So how is Obama, in his meetings planned this week with BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg and Chief Executive Tony Hayward, going to convince them to pay this cash?

FORBES: Why BP Will Pay Obama's Escrow Fund

The success or failure of the initiative will largely hinge on the willingness of Africa's mobile phone companies to take part, according to Carl-Henric Svanberg, president and CEO of Ericsson, who conceived the project during conversations with Mr Annan and Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) chief Rajendra Pachauri.

BBC: Mobiles boost Africa climate data