Election is in doubt, Carter tells Jews

Press, 22 October 1980, Page 8

Election is in doubt, Carter tells Jews

NZPA-Reuter New York President Carter made an urgent appeal yesterday for support from the politically powerful American Jewish community, saying that the outcome of the United States election two weeks away was very much in doubt. . ■

Addressing a meeting of Jewish organisations in New York, Mr Carter pledged that he would not change United States policy towards Israel if re-elected on November 4. - \ .“I will not recognise and negotiate with the Palestine Liberation Organisation unless they recognise Israel’s right to exist.” He then pleaded with the Jewish leaders to speak up for him in their communities.

“I tell you the election is

in doubt In many states in this country it is very close.” Mr Carter was accompanied by Senator Edward Kennedy/ his. unsuccessful rival for the Democratic Party’s nomination who is now - making many appear l ances on his behalf. ”1 want Jimmy Carter to win this election and I am campaigning for him all across the country until- election day,” Mr Kennedy, said. Earlier, Mr- Kennedy joined the President at a black church in -Brooklyn, where Mr Carter received an endorsement from the former heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali. “Of all the people I have been seeing as candidate for President, Mr Carter is the best,” Ali told the cheering crowd.

Mr. Carter still trails the Republican candidate, Mr Ronald Reagan, in most public bpinion polls,; although the gap has narrowed in recent'; days and -the surveys show many voters - still undecided. ' .

The Independent candidate. Mr Jonn Anderson, is a distant third! ■ '

Embarking on the campaign trip to Ohio. Pennsylvania and New York yesterday, Mr Carter accused Mr Reagan of naive proposals for nuclear arms control and said- they would have “the most serious consequences for the future.” His comments on the arms issue came after a televised address by ‘ Mr Reagan on Sunday night in which he tried to dispel an image as-a warmonger. ' ■;< ; .. But other Administration

officials were seeking to keep the "war and peace” issue alive.

' The Defence Secretary (Mr Harold Brown) rejected Mr Reagan's suggestion that the still unratified Strategic Arms Limitation Treaty (S.A.L.T. H) with Moscow could be scrapped or renegotiated in favour of a new,' improved S.A.L.T. HI accord. Mr: Brown said yesterday { that the death of the treaty, would be “a major tragedy.” j /. But Mr Reagan said . the' United States was more; likely to get-into an unwant-l ed war under Mr Carter; than under his leadership; i He later told a rally in Louisville: “President Carter; is busy telling everybody I: will start a new nuclear) war. f want everybody tq[ know I absolutely refuse to I do that.” ; i