W. Averell Harriman

W. Averell Harriman was a prominent American diplomat and businessman, serving as the U.S. Ambassador to the Soviet Union during a critical period of the Cold War. He is best known for his role in post-World War II diplomacy and his efforts to improve U.S.-Soviet relations. Harriman was gifted a carved wooden 'Great Seal' by the Soviets, which later became infamous for concealing a listening device, known as 'The Thing,' that recorded confidential conversations for several years.