Reactions to [Oliver L. North]'s testimony before the Iran-contra congressional committees were sought by The Times in interviews Thursday with people in Los Angeles, Miami, Chicago, Atlanta and Houston. The unscientific poll found that even many people who disapproved of the operations that North helped direct-the sale of arms to Iran and the diversion of some of the proceeds to the Nicaraguan rebels-seemed impressed by him.

North has also admitted destroying documents that might have indicated who, among his superiors, approved plans to divert Iran arms sales proceeds to the contras. Adamantly and eloquently, North defended those actions as necessary to carry out worthy foreign policy goals.

"I think Col. North is a very patriotic, exuberant young Marine lieutenant colonel, but I think possibly someone sold him a bill of goods," said Dennis L. Griewisch, a retired naval officer from Marietta, Ga. Several people portrayed North as an honorable scapegoat.