TROUBLESHOOTER IN TEHERAN

Arrived in Iran last week, on one of the toughest, potentially most crucial diplomatic missions undertaken by the U.S.: W. (for William) Averell Harriman.

Born: Nov. 15, 1891, in New York; silver-spoon son of Railroad Empire Builder E. H. Harriman who controlled 60,000 miles of the nation's rails, including the Union Pacific.

Education: Groton, 1909; Yale, '13. Schoolmate at both: Dean Acheson.

Business Career: During summer vacations from college, worked as a clerk and section hand on the family's Union Pacific. In 1915, two years after graduating, became a U.P. vice president, board chairman in 1932; also (1931) a partner in the banking house, Wall Street's Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. Introduced "streamliners," low-cost dining cars; turned 4,200 acres of snowbound railroad land into moneymaking Sun Valley. Gave up shipbuilding venture in the face of rugged competition; abandoned a Russian manganese export concession fearing Soviet nationalism.

Political & Diplomatic Career: Broke with the Republicans and voted for Al Smith in 1928. Great friend and follower of F.D.R., he became the tame, showcase millionaire of the New Deal. Held several jobs in the early years of the Roosevelt revolution, mostly trying to soothe irritated fellow businessmen. Defense Expediter in London (1941) to speed the flow of lend-lease aid to Britain and Russia. Ambassador to Russia, 1943-46. Had monthly conferences with Stalin, probably knows him better than any other American (Stalin presented him with a white horse). In 1945, sensed the impending break in the U.S.-Russian wartime alliance, shocked the State Department by urging firmness toward the U.S.S.R. Ambassador to Great Britain, 1946; Commerce Secretary, replacing Henry Wallace (1946); Marshall Plan ambassador to Europe (1948-50). Last year became President Truman's Special Assistant on foreign policy, helps ghostwrite Truman's foreign policy speeches, sat in on MacArthur's firing (which he strongly approved).

Appearance: Tall (6 ft. 1 in.), slim, round-shouldered, sad-faced, like a slightly healthier Harry Hopkins.

Private Life: Was divorced by his first wife after 14 years of marriage, in 1929; two daughters. Remarried in 1930. Relaxation: bridge, canasta, croquet, a collection of Van Goghs, Renoirs, Picassos, Gauguins, Winston Churchills.

Washington Appraisal: Operates intuitively, has shown remarkable foresight on occasion, but is unpredictable. By his own admission runs "an orderly shop in a disorderly sort of way." Has a sharp mind, is unimpressive on the platform, but often successful in informal conferences. Washington nickname (used affectionately by some, acidly by others): "Misty Bill."

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