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After scrutinizing the records, Reagan's advisers have cleared Allen of any wrongdoing. Today, with his silver hair, his expression of bemused contentment, Allen exudes assurance, as if he knows exactly where he is headed. He has worked for Reagan's campaigns since 1976, and though he is not personally close to the President-elect, he has his confidence. As National Security Adviser, Allen expects to brief Reagan on a regular basis, probably daily in the company of Meese and Chief of Staff James Baker. He may travel a bit, but he plans to avoid "spokesmanship." Says Allen: "If the NSC attempts to manage day-to-day events, it will be a case of here we go again. But that will not be the design of our staff."
The intention is admirable; all depends on the execution. Can Allen, an ambitious man in his own right, be as self-effacing as he says when he is surrounded by so many temptations to exercise power? His task may be eased by the fact that he does not seem to have any sharp policy differences with Haig, in contrast to Brzezinski's disagreements with former Secretary of State Cyrus Vance. But Allen's proximity to the President, and the institutional momentum of his strategically placed post, may inevitably push him into the very prominence he wants to avoid. —By Edwin Warner. Reported by Jonathan Beaty/Washington and Douglas Brew with Reagan