Byrd to Open Debate on INF Pact May 11

Senate Majority Leader Robert C. Byrd said today that he has tentatively decided to open debate on the U.S.-Soviet medium-range missile treaty May 11, but only if the two superpowers can clear up apparent misunderstandings on verification and other issues.

Byrd made clear that debate would not begin on that date--less than three weeks before President Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev meet in Moscow--if areas of concern are still unresolved.

Reagan Administration officials are urging the legislators to approve the pact before the May 29-June 3 summit to enhance prospects for the two nations’ agreeing to other weapons restraints.

Byrd’s scheduling, however, leaves unclear whether the Senate will consent to the treaty before the summit.

Appearing to Back Away

The majority leader said he is especially concerned by published reports quoting ranking Soviet military leaders as appearing to back away from mutual understandings with the United States on what would be permitted under treaty provisions allowing on-site verification inspection.

Byrd called on both Washington and Moscow to deal quickly with that question as well as others, including a treaty ambiguity on what constitutes a weapons delivery system and whether or not such “Star Wars” weapons as those using laser beams or particle ray generators are covered by the pact.

Byrd said the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence committees are working on ways to resolve the misunderstandings.