News In Brief

January 26, 1984

Reagan, visiting the Hill, holds fast on marine issue

During a stormy session with congressional leaders Wednesday, President Reagan held his ground on keeping US marines in Lebanon, warning that ''we must not permit terrorism to succeed'' in the Middle East.

Afterward, Senate Republican leader Howard H. Baker Jr. told reporters: ''I have never attended a more frank and energetic exchange.''

Aides said House Speaker Thomas P. O'Neill was ''vitriolic'' in denouncing the administration's Lebanon policy. Mr. O'Neill has said he regrets having supported an 18-month stay in Lebanon for the Marines.