President, First Lady Call to Voice Sympathy : Reagan Offers Gorbachev Quake Relief

WASHINGTON —  President and Mrs. Reagan phoned Soviet leader Mikhail S. Gorbachev and his wife today to offer U.S. sympathy and aid to the victims of a massive earthquake in the Soviet Union, the White House said.

“If there is any way in which we can be of assistance, either bilaterally or through the international community, please let me know,” Reagan told Gorbachev during the 13-minute telephone conversation.

Mrs. Reagan told Gorbachev’s wife, Raisa, that she was sorry to hear of the death and destruction caused by the earthquake, which struck Soviet Armenia on Wednesday and caused the Gorbachevs to cut short their visit to New York City.

“If we can do anything at all to help you, we’re more than willing to,” Mrs. Reagan said.

The White House said Gorbachev thanked Reagan for his understanding and condolences and quoted his wife as thanking Mrs. Reagan “for remembering us, for calling and for your support.”

Reagan spoke to the Soviet leader for 7 minutes and his wife, Nancy, spoke to Mrs. Gorbachev for 6 more minutes, the White House said.

It said Reagan, who spent 2 1/2 hours with Gorbachev in New York City on Wednesday, told the Kremlin chief he was sorry that he had to cut short his visit.

“I fully understand . . . that you have no choice but to return to your own country and be with your people following the early-morning earthquake,” Reagan said.

“I know I speak for all Americans when I express my deep personal sorrow at the loss of life caused by this earthquake,” he added.