American Notes WASHINGTON

George Shultz has long argued that the U.S. Secretary of State needs a large and secure home where he can entertain visiting dignitaries. Last week his wish came a step closer to fulfillment when it was disclosed that philanthropist Gwendolyn Cafritz posthumously donated her landmark mansion to become the Secretary's official residence. Cafritz, a Washington socialite who died Nov. 29 at age 78, set aside money from her estate to restore and maintain the $9 million mansion before turning it over to the Government.

- Her gift may nevertheless be refused. Government acceptance will need special congressional approval, thanks to a law written by Shultz's tenacious Senate adversary Jesse Helms. The conservative North Carolina Republican argues that providing living quarters for the Secretary of State would be unfair to other Cabinet members, all of whom have to find their own accommodations in the capital. Last year Helms won passage for a measure that specifically bans the Secretary from soliciting or receiving property for an official residence.