A short while ago White House strategists believed economic issues would dominate 1984 race, but economic recovery has come on so strong, says White House pollster Richard Wirthlin, that foreign policy could share top billing with economy. . . . Biggest question marks on foreign-policy horizon: Lebanon and arms talks with Soviet Union. To protest NATO deployment of Pershing II and cruise missiles, Soviets might end all arms negotiations. Among other signs, U.S. officials point to TASS article by Soviet military analyst Vladimir Bogachev, which said deployment of missiles “would actually knock the ground from under the talks.” . . . When it comes to arms control, Soviets far prefer Democratic presidential contender John Glenn over Reagan. L’Express notes Soviet press has referred to Glenn as “the eminent politician who is wise enough to include the counts of French and British intermediate-range nuclear missiles among those that are negotiable in Geneva.” Soviets also approve, says French magazine, Glenn’s position on verification of treaties—he’s reportedly not a stickler about on-site inspections. . . . Appearing on Phil Donahue show, Jimmy Carter said he had “studied the record of all nuclear talks” and concluded that Soviets “negotiated in good faith.” Arms talks are even more crucial now, says Carter, in light of downing of KAL 007 on September 1. . . . Western airline service to Moscow is almost back to normal after October 3 decision by International Federation of Airline Pilots Association, headed by Captain R. F. Tweedy of Ireland, to suspend sixty-day ban.
Holland, London Sunday Telegraph Rothco
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