Sentence:  R. H. S. Crossman , M.P. , writing in The Manchester Guardian , states that departures from West Berlin are now running at the rate not of 700 , but of 1700 a week , and <WSD>applications</WSD> to leave have risen to 1900 a week . 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  a verbal or written request for assistance or employment or admission to a school