MR. WALLACE'S SUCCESSOR

Chronicle (Levin), 24 September 1946, Page 5

MR. WALLACE'S SUCCESSOR

9 ■ ■ MR. HARRIMAN APPOINTED f Received Monday, 7.40 p.m. WASHENGTON, Sept. 22. • President TTuman haS announced that Alr. W. A. I-Iarriman, Ambassador to Britain, has been appointed Secretary of Commerce. The Associated Press, commenting oh Mr.- Ha-rriman's a))pointment, says President Truman has seleeted the combination of a big businessman and long tinre Kew Dealer with obvious intent^-to soothe both deniocratic political wounds and foreign affairs abrasions ansiiig from Mr. Wallace's break with- fhe Administration over Russian policy. Early Wasliington reaction to the selection of the 54-year-old niultimillionaire Harriinan— tlie silvOr. spbori soji of oue of the fabufbus1 railroad ligures of tlie nineteehth century \vlio left 100, 000, 000 do'llars — liaS been . favourable, especiallv aniong D'e'inocnitP Congressmen who dwell on Mr. Harrinian's business capacity and widknowledge of domestic affairs. Mr. Wallace, \Vhose portfolio Mr. Harnman takes prOmptly, p'raised the selection, stating he will be "aecepted with tlie greatest enthusiasm by the business community. " Commentators recall it has been it basic tenet of Mr. Harriman tha. business sliould cooperate -with Gov ernment by providing a share of leader ship brains. Emphasis is also placed on Mr. Harriman 's diplomatie background. He is a personal friend of Marshal Stalin, and well sehooled iil diplomatie dealings with the Russians. From this standpoi-nt it is beiieved in Wasliington dipiomatie circles t-hat Mr, Harriman will be able to offer valuable assistance to Mr. Byrnes. Mr. . Harriman 's appointment umst be coufiriued by the Henate after Congress eoiivenes in Januarv but acceptance is a foregone conclusion. ;