Carlucci Opens New Campaign to Renew Arms Aid to Contras : Security Adviser Denies He Feels Cause Is Hopeless

National security adviser Frank C. Carlucci opened a new White House campaign today for renewed military aid to the Nicaraguan rebels, and strongly denied that he feels their case is hopeless.

Carlucci also labeled as “false” and “distorted” reports that he had told a National Security Council staff meeting that it is not possible for the rebels, known as contras , to defeat the Marxist-led Sandinista government in Nicaragua.

Carlucci, making his public debut on Administration policy, was the lead speaker at a gathering of Central American support groups that also heard from Elliott Abrams, assistant secretary of state for inter-American affairs and Jose Sorzano, the NSC adviser on Central America.

“There have been some reports that I have some doubts about the capability of the democratic forces in Nicaragua,” Carlucci said. “Those reports are false, they are a distorted version of something that I said in a staff meeting where I asked to take a look at the situation on the ground. In fact, I strongly support the democratic forces in Nicaragua.

‘Because He’s Right’

“I support the President’s policies, because he’s right, and it means supporting the political democracies in Central America with economic and technical assistance while continuing to provide military aid to the democratic resistance,” Carlucci said.

Later under questioning, Carlucci said, “I’d be a damn fool if I didn’t” ask for information on what the situation “on the ground” is. In that respect he disclosed that “substantial numbers” of guerrillas, “have returned to their home country.” He said their infiltration into Nicaragua has been in “large numbers.”

Carlucci said Reagan will mention the need for military aid to the contras in his State of the Union address and is fully committed to it despite the current Iran arms scandal.

“The Nicaraguan people are increasingly opposed and disenchanted with the Sandinistas, and their neighbors still feel threatened. All that has not changed because of what might have transpired elsewhere in the world.”

‘Only One Power Left’

Abrams said that if the contras are forced to disband, “there is only one power left in the Western Hemisphere that can militarily enforce peace in Central America, and that’s us. And that’s the road you’re headed down if you abandon the contras. “

Later, a contra supporter asked him what the United States will do if aid is cut off, and, mindful that reporters were in the room, Abrams refused to say, commenting only that “it’s inconceivable” that Congress would “walk away . . . and say, ‘Tough’ ” to the contras.

Reagan is seeking $105 million for the contras in his fiscal 1988 budget.

The President will face questions on the Iran- contra scandal when he meets in the Oval Office Monday with the three-member board he appointed to review the role of his National Security Council in covert operations.