Reagan Backs Early SDI Deployment, Dole Believes

President Reagan apparently agrees with Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger’s push for early deployment of a first stage of the “Star Wars” space defense system, Senate GOP leader Bob Dole said today.

He said Reagan, Weinberger and other national security aides were meeting later in the day to discuss the issue further amid “confusion” by congressional Republicans on how far and how fast the Administration wants to get a portion of the space umbrella, formally called the Strategic Defense Initiative, into operation.

Asked if early deployment of the SDI could negate the chances for an arms control pact with the Soviets, Dole said after a meeting between Reagan and congressional Republican leaders, “I’m concerned, but based on the secretary of defense’s views it will not have that impact, and the President seemed to have the same view.

No Impact on Talks

“I think the President supports at least the deployment of an early phase and I conclude from that he must feel you could do that without getting in the way of arms control.

“I think what the President indicated was that he believes you can continue the SDI, he thinks it’s very important,” Dole said. “The President indicated this could be done consistent with further discussion on arms control.”

Dole said, however, that the Republican leaders were somewhat confused by the Administration’s position.

“I want to know what the first stage is and when they’re talking about deployment,” Dole said.

“What we need is a good outline of our policy. I think everyone around the table supports the President’s SDI program. I think it’s a legitimate request for information on precisely what the Administration’s program is.”

State Dept. Opposed

The State Department, led by Secretary of State George P. Shultz, is expected to vigorously oppose the early development and deployment of a partial missile defense under the SDI program.

Weinberger is reported to want Reagan to act before he completes his term in two years, on the ground that such a move would commit future administrations to the defense system.

SDI is presently the main bone of contention with the Soviets in the arms control talks. Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev tied all concessions on intermediate- and long-range missiles to an agreement by the United States to hold off on space defense.