In reply to Andrew Wilson:
> It is Beal rope which they stock and I wonder if this treatment {soaking} is specific to them?
Nope, not specific. Personally, I'd do it anyway. At the very worst case it will have no effect at all, but probably will be worth it.
If the rope is in a hank, hopefully it's already been 'unwound' off the reel and shouldn't be all twisty.