September 30, 1976

GB to ask IMF for $3.9-billion in standby loans, limit of its borrowing rights with fund, in move to bolster sinking pound (M)

tank-led Syrian troops drive Palestinian guerrilla forces out of most of key mountain positions they held east of Beirut; appear to be within reach of their immediate objective--to open rd that runs through town and connects Christian-held territory along Mediterranean with eastern Lebanon and Damascus; towns captured by Syrians noted (M)

Crosland, in message to Smith, proposes conf be convened in Southern Africa to discuss formation of interim govt in Rhodesia leading to peaceful transition to black majority rule; suggests meeting be held in 2 wks, and be chaired by Brit delegate to UN, Ivor Richards; Richards' por (M)

Pres Ford vetoes as too expensive $56-million appropriation bill for manpower, health, educ and welfare programs, charging Cong passed legis for 'patently clear' partisan pol purposes; vetoed bill includes $499.3-million more for elementary and secondary educ programs and $468-million for 'impact aid'; illus (S)

Occidental Petroleum Corp chmn Dr Armand Hammer purchases Rembrandt painting Juno for $3,250,000, highest price paid for Rembrandt; Met Museum paid $2,300,000 for Rembrandt's Aristotle Contemplating the Bust of Homer; previous owner of Juno was reptdly J William Middendorf 2d; Hammer says painting will be permanently exhibited in Los Angeles County Museum in '77; illus (S)