Waldheim

The American ambassador won't be on hand to offer his congratulations when Kurt Waldheim is inaugurated as president of Austria on Tuesday. Instead, Ronald S. Lauder, with the approval of Secretary of State George P. Shultz, has returned briefly to the United States on "personal business." The Austrians aren't happy. The local press, Lauder says, has "vilified" him for his decision.

Six million people would not call the Pope's meeting with Herr Waldheim "routine." GEORGE MEDOVOY Davis

Austrian President Kurt Waldheim will visit Saudi Arabia this year, an Austrian Embassy spokesman said Wednesday. No date for the visit was given.