lt seems crucial in the effort to head off a major crlsis in Central America that Congress mend party differences and unite on a United States policy in that region in the interest of security and solidarity. It’a tlmeily also that this country’s forts be coordlnated with the multinational peace mediation Lnitlative of the “Contadora Group.” Right now, particularly in relation to beleaguered El Salvador, we can he assured that allies and potential enemies alike are watching how we honor our commitment to our close neighbor. in conclu ing his 10-day tour of Central America, presidential envoy Richard Stone strongly endorsed the objectives of the Contadora Group – consisting of Mexico. Panama, Colombia and Venezuela – to ease the threat of increased violence. “We want to support their agenda rather than trying to impose our own,” he said. ‘”Although we have good and fruitful discussions, still it is for them to find the agenda and style and the procedures that they believe can most effectively get us to a peaceful and justifiable solution.” in the U. S. Policy effort. this ls a time or collective resolve based on national character and stated principles – not for partisan polltlcs; nor for wlshy-washy policies that sidestep responstblllty. The need has become progressively more evident. The tide of communism in our immediate area has continued to rise since our illadvised surrender of the Panama Canal. Each defensive stand we have taken since that abject retreat has been more difficult. Recent lack of support for President Reagan’s economic and arms program. mostly from the Democratic side with some Republican dissent also, has not bolstered the U. S. position. The ugly suggestion of “politics” seemed quite transparent in two committee votes in the House of Representatives. The Foreign Affairs Committee recently voted 20 to 14 for a Democratic-backed bill requiring the administration to halt covert support to rebels fighting the Sandinista dictatorship in Nicaragua in part to stem the flow of arms from that country to guerrillas in El Salvador. The vote was on an almost straight party line. supported by only one Republican. The bill previously had been approved by the Democratic-controlled House Intelligence Committee, also on a party line vote. Of that action, the Wall Street Joumal ctmmented; “The Democrats did not disagree that the Cubans and Sandinistas are behind the insurgency in El Salvador But what conclusions do the Democrats draw from the massive violations of El Salvador’s sovereignty? “Primarily that we should give a little money to other countries in the area so they can attempt to cope with the problem. The U.S., they say, should avoid muddying its skirts because it might risk bringing down world ‘opprobrium’ on this country.” And the Journal inquired: “If we can’t risk a little opprobrium for doing what’s right, what can we rlsk?” Stone’s Central America trip was timely and the Contadora mediation effort offers a shot in the arm in the search for peace – although some stumbling blocks need to be removed. The United States has been at odd! with Mexico – a group member – over its ei poi-t for Nicaragua and ottfer leftist movements and its contention that social and economic injustice, not communist infiltration. is the root of Central American strife. Washington repeatedly has charged that the Soviet Union, Cuba, and Nicaragua are exporting revolution. Stone indicated some rogress in narrowing U.S.Ktlexico disputes. Both sides should strive to reach understandinls. Over-all, the time seems ripe for progress in the uphill climb toward peaceful solutions. There is no time to wute. Those who take lightly the threat to Central America should be reminded that half of all U.S. supplies would pass through the Caribbean in the event of war in Eurqse or elsewhere, and of the vital peacetime role the region plays- . Congress ought to review the entire picture and seek. in cooperation with the President and commander-im chief, to unite on policies that will best serve the area’: interests and bolster hemispheric security.