Columnist Ernest Lindley’s speculation over W. Averell Harriman as possible successor to Secretary of State Dean Acheson, as outlined in an article elsewhere on this page, is a little premature, perhaps, but is an indication of the future at Harriman’s command if he makes good in Iran.

Accord in Iran between the native and British oil interests is far from an actuality, but Harriman may be given credit for what easing of tension has been reported. There is definite hope now for an amicable settlement, where a few weeks before there was speculation the incident would touch off a shooting war.

Although he approached the oily mess as President Truman’s special envoy, Harriman had trouble from the beginning. His arrival, in fact, touched off a bloody riot, and his subsequent overtures to the Iranians ran into a stone wall. Premier Mossadegh was in no mood for compromise, reciting to Harriman a long list of accusations against the Anglo-Iranian Co. This attitude was a result of years of trouble over the Iranian oil fields, and it could not be broken down in a day.

But Harriman embarked upon a campaign of educating both the Iranians and the British to a mood of settlement, and it eventually began to bear fruit. Since it had to be carried on in an atmosphere of highly charged emotions, it was a delicate task calling for all of Harriman’s skill as a negotiator. That he has this knack is evident from the gradually reduced tensions.

Success in Iran by Harriman would be a major coup for him personally, and for the United States internationally. It would reaffirm our faith in sincere negotiations, reassuring us that no trouble is so calamitous it cannot be eased by calm, astute negotiation. As for Harriman as our secretary of state, that is in the future. But if he continues to prove himself an advocate of sober thought, there is room for him in that or another responsible position.

[Harriman went on to become Director of the Mutual Security Agency, followed by Governor of New York and two major diplomatic posts in the Kennedy administration.]