July 27, 1976

Pilot Robert Thomas killed when aircraft crashes on Long Island, NY, after striking seaplane operated by Pelham Airways; 6 safe on second plane (M)

Ital Communist Party, for 1st time in history of nation, on July 26 wins chairmanships of coms in Parliament; decisions reflect growing strength of party in mechanism of Govt following its gains in June elections; coms posts are not expected to block aid from internatl lenders; under agreement reached by leaders of pol parties in Chamber of Deputies, Communists will chair 4 coms (M)

Yugoslavia defeats USSR in semifinal; illus (S)

HR Ethics Com formally recommends that Repr Robert L F Sikes be reprimanded on 2 of 3 complaints alleging that he used his office for personal gain; finds Sikes, chmn of Mil Construction subcom, failed to disclose his holding of stock in Fairchild Indus and in First Navy Bank at Pensacola Naval Air Station, when he helped organize the bank; fails to act on matter of Sikes's interest in land development project in whose interest he pushed legis beneficial to adjacent project, noting that case involved activities which took place before formation of com; com adopts rept by 10-2 vote; Repr F Edward Hebert, 1 of dissenters, claims 'stimulus to persecute' came from outside com; criticizes 'leak' of com findings to UPI and Washington Star; com has never before taken action against member of Cong; Sikes illus (M)

Ronald Reagan breaks with tradition on July 26 and names Sen Richard S Schweiker as his Vice Pres running mate if he wins Repub Pres nomination; Schweiker says he accepted inv because he believes ticket could unify Repub Party; Repubs surprised by announcement; Reagan's struggle with Pres Ford for uncommitted delegates seen as reasoning behind his selection of Schweiker, who is considered liberal Repub; Reagan's bold move could help mollify Northern liberals who have felt alienated by his conservative views and Sunbelt strategies; there appears to be apparent risk, however, in conservative backlash because of Schweiker's liberal voting record in Sen; Reagan's natl campaign mgr John Sears is seen as apparent major influence in both selection of Schweiker and decision to publicize potential ticket 3 wks before natl conv convenes; Reagan's press sec James Lake says Schweiker was only person Reagan had made contact with over Vice Presidency; Reagan and Schweiker illus (L)