President Reagan plans to unveil soon his longawaited development proposals for the Caribbean. Although the plans will center mainly on economic initiatives. it is understood the state department is calling for some straight talk on security including strategic threats to the region. This seems appropriate – treated either separately or in connection with the economic issues – in view of America’s stake in the peace and security of the Caribbean basin which takes in most of the nations of Central America including El Salvador. The ruling Christian Democratic junta in El Salvador, headed by President Napoleon Duarte, is receiving United States aid in the civil war with leftist guerrillas. Defense Secretary Caspar Weinberger says the leftists must be defeated so the U. S. “can make sure we don’t allow” a communist foothold on the American continent. The Reagan Administration has accused Cuba of funneling arms through Nicaragua to guerrillas in El Salvador. The need for Congress and the Administration to unify on an El Salvador policy becomes more apparent each day. A clearcut statement by the president would serve as a step in this direction. El Salvador assistance has been a subject of some controversy in Congress. Last December the lawmakers voted $65 million in economic – military aid. conditioned on progress by the junta in five areas: Human rights, control over the military, social economic reform, free elections, and investigation of American deaths in that country. President Reagan recently certified that the requirements are being met, including plans for elections in March, but some Democrats have taken exception. Rep. Gerry Studds, D-Mass. has invited co-sponsors for a House joint resolution to reject the certification and suspend assistance until the conditions “are truly met.” From the Republican side, Rep. Marjorie S. Holt of Maryland said in a statement that “if we are to prevent Soviet – Cuban advances in Central America from ultimately becoming a threat to our national security, then we must do what is necessary to help our allies stop Marxist forces…” Meantime. three Democratic senators Christopher Dodd of Connecticut and Edward Kennedy and Paul Tsongas of Massachusetts – have introduced a resolution l S. J . 144) that the U.S. government encourage all parties in the El Salvadoran conflict to (ll begin unconditional negotiations for a ceasefire under international supervision: and (2) pursue negotiations for “an overall political settlement, one element of which would be open and free elections under international supervision.” Warnings of the Administration on leftist strategy in the Caribbean should not go unheeded. As Assistant Secretary of State Thomas Enders asked Congress awhile back: “If after Nicaragua. El Salvador is captured by a violent minority. what State in Central America will be able to resist’? How long would it be before the major strategic U. S. interests – the canal, sea lanes. oil supplies – would be at risk’?” in the face of the flow of foreign arms to El Salvador, it would be unwise for the U. S. to declare a unilateral halt in aid if the Duarte regime is exploring all avenues toward resolving the civil strife and advancing the cause of democratization with safeguards for freedom and human rights. Meantime, administration – congressional dialogue and understanding are important and debate on S. J. Resolution 144 and any other pertinent proposals could start the ball rolling toward negotiations for an eventual solution to the conflict.