Reagan Sees Nicaragua as Congress Test

President Reagan asserted today that his bid to provide $100 million in aid to Nicaraguan rebels is a test of whether Congress “is as committed to democracy in Nicaragua . . . as it was in the Philippines.”

“Congressional defeat of this aid proposal could well deliver Nicaragua permanently to the communist bloc,” Reagan warned as he stepped up his campaign for the aid request by meeting with rebel leaders at the White House.

On a collision course with Congress, Reagan met with Arturo Cruz, Adolfo Colero and Alfonzo Robelo of the United Nicaraguan Opposition and a group of American supporters in an intensive drive--approved by senior aides over the weekend--to build support for his aid request.

Congress Must Decide

Warning that any delay plays into the hands of the Nicaraguan government, Reagan said the Sandinistas are out to “finish off the freedom fighters before American help can arrive” and insisted Congress must decide whether it is “as determined to keep Central America free as (Nicaraguan leader Daniel) Ortega and (Cuban leader Fidel) Castro are to make it communist.”

“I think the world is watching to see if Congress is as committed to democracy in Nicaragua in our own hemisphere as it was in the Philippines,” Reagan said.

Taking note of the $100 million he has proposed, a determined Reagan said: “We’ll fight for it. Simple humanitarian aid is not enough. As these gentlemen definitely agree, you can’t stop tanks and gunships with bandages and bed rolls.”

Approval Expected

On Capitol Hill, assistant Senate GOP leader Alan K. Simpson said there is a “good prospect” Congress will approve the aid request, but only if Reagan convinces the American people of its importance. White House officials said Reagan may deliver a prime-time televised address on the subject.

Sen. Jim Sasser (D-Tenn.) proposed an alternative plan that would place the aid in escrow for six months while the United States pursues bilateral negotiations with Nicaragua on a peace settlement. The Administration has opposed such conditions in the past.

The push for the $100-million aid package comes less than one week after Reagan used a similar prime-time Oval Office address to warn Congress that cutbacks in his defense budget would endanger national security and thwart efforts to reach arms agreements with the Soviet Union.