August 16, 1976

Ronald Reagan and wife arrive in Kansas City on eve of Repub Natl Conv; are accompanied by Sen and Mrs Richard Schweiker; Reagan says he could still win on 1st ballot, but that 2d ballot nomination might be more reasonable expectation; says no decision has been reached on his strategy for opening days of conv (L)

Ford on Aug 15 predicts victory as he arrives in Kansas City for showdown with Ronald Reagan; breaks tradition by arriving for party's natl conv well in advance of balloting for Pres nominee; many outlookers believe Ford came early to persuade more delegates to vote for him, despite repeated disavowals; White House press sec Ron Nessen comments; Ford, in int to be published Aug 16 in Chicago Tribune, says he did not win clear-cut victory in advance of conv because he was outorganized in conv states and because he did not project progress that country has made under his adm; says he has no intention of making any 'basic changes' in his campaign com; adds his campaign mgr Rogers C B Morton would remain with com; does not rule out position on his staff for Ronald Reagan's campaign mgr John Sears (M)

The final round of the Professional Golfers’ Association championship was postponed yesterday because of lightning, a thunderstorm and heavy rain and will be played today. Charles Coody led after three rounds with a 207. Details, page 41.

French authorities order evacuation of 72,000 living near volcano La Soufriere amid signs of impending eruption; map; volcano belching steam and ashes, and experts fear eruption of molten rock (S)

Article on role of uncommitted delegates in conv focuses on Thomas J Tauke, uncommitted delegate from Iowa; holds Tauke is typical of many of his colleagues who persist in waiting until final act to speak their minds; Tauke comments on lonely and sometimes unpleasant role of being uncommitted delegate; illus (L)