Quiet Man

George Venable Allen, 44, one of the ablest of U.S. career diplomats, took on his toughest assignment last week. Fresh from a two-year stint as Ambassador to Iran, he was sworn in as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs--i.e., chief of U.S. propaganda.

Unlike his predecessor, glib, huckster-handed William Benton, George Allen* is quiet and undramatic. But he is no softie. In Iran, he not only acquired a thorough, first-hand knowledge of U.S.S.R. pressure techniques, but demonstrated firmness in dealing with them.

In his new job, Allen would have the chance to use those talents to the full. He had been called home to strengthen the "Voice of America" and State's other "information and educational" projects. Though the U.S. is still none too sure of itself propaganda-wise, it now realized that an adequate and intelligent explanation of U.S. policies abroad is almost as important as ERP itself.

*Not to be confused with ex-White House Jester George Edward Allen, no kin.

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