News In Brief

US supports free passage on Hormuz, Dam says

Deputy Secretary of State Kenneth Dam denied that the US has moved from a policy of neutrality to one of supporting Iraq. On NBC television's ''Meet the Press'' program, Mr. Dam said, ''We stand for free navigation through the Strait (of Hormuz) and we are prepared to assure that there is that free navigation.''

In an interview late last month with the French newspaper Le Figaro, President Reagan said a prolonged conflict between Iran and Iraq will increase the danger of escalation that could disrupt oil shipping through the strait.