State Department to be run by Stoessel in interim

Walter Stoessel, deputy secretary of state, has taken over the running of the State Department, following the resignation of Alexander Haig Jr., department spokesman Dean Fischer said Tuesday.

Mr. Fischer told reporters the change of command occurred Monday. The announcement came as the White House assumed the leading role in handling news of the crisis in Lebanon. Mr. Fischer said the decision to have Mr. Haig turn over the reins to his deputy was made according to an agreement among Mr. Haig, President Reagan, and George P. Shultz, who is expected to follow Mr. Haig as secretary of state.