Forward Observer

The U.S. embassy in Bonn is one of the most exacting and sensitive posts in the diplomatic service. The ambassador must function both as a striped-trousered forward observer, peering over the Iron Curtain, and, at the same time, as a soothing agent for West Germany's indomitable old (83) Chancellor Konrad Adenauer. President Eisenhower's first choice to succeed retiring Ambassador David K. E. Bruce was Under Secretary of State Robert Murphy, the U.S.'s ablest diplomatic troubleshooter; Murphy bowed out in favor of retirement after 38 years in the Foreign Service (TIME, Nov. 9). Last week the President selected Walter C. Dowling, another veteran (27 years) career diplomat.

A suave and courtly Georgian, "Red" Dowling, 54, is known around the world for his aplomb and tact. He has a wide firsthand knowledge of Europe (he had been slated for the post of Assistant Secretary of State for European Affairs until Murphy announced his resignation) and is thoroughly familiar with the problems of West Germany in particular, having served in Bonn for three years (1953-56), first as Deputy High Commissioner, later as Minister of the U.S. embassy. German-fluent Ambassador Dowling is equally at home with aging chiefs of state. In his most recent post, as Ambassador to Korea (1956-59), he won high marks for his cool and tactful dealings with irascible, immovable old (84) President Syngman Rhee. When news of Dowling's appointment was flashed to Bonn, Adenauer promptly cabled official approval along with word that he would be "delighted" to welcome an old friend to Bonn.

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