U.S. Weighing Alternatives to S. Africa Policy

President Reagan told Republican congressional leaders today that the Administration is actively considering “constructive alternatives” to its policy toward South Africa, short of imposing stiff economic sanctions.

House GOP leader Robert H. Michel told reporters after the meeting with Reagan, “We’re actively looking at constructive alternatives” to both mandatory economic sanctions approved by the House and to the entire U.S. policy known as “constructive engagement”--maintaining ties with the white-minority regime in hopes of pressuring it to abolish apartheid.

Michel said Reagan offered nothing specific but said that the Administration is reviewing its policy and that by next week, when Secretary of State George P. Shultz is to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, “they should have it crystallized.”

Senate Republican leader Bob Dole said Reagan is aware of opposition to U.S. policy from House and Senate Republicans.

The leaders said Reagan also put a high priority in the meeting on passage of tax reform, aid to the Nicaraguan contra rebels and the controversial nomination of Daniel Manion to be a federal circuit court judge.

Reagan also said he thinks there is a good chance for Republicans to retain control of the Senate in the November elections, Dole said.

Reagan plans to attend a reception this evening for GOP candidates, a prelude to the political stumping he has scheduled in the weeks before his August vacation.