"We are expanding our missile program, putting missiles on our bomber force and bringing into operation Polaris submarines which we believe will offset any so-called missile gap, at least from the point of view of the validity of our deterrent," he said.

Based on over-all strength, Gates said, "we believe we are in a first rate, first position" compared to the Soviet Union.

Gates' statement contrasted with the contention of Democratic Leader Lyndon B. Johnson of Texas Friday that the Soviet Union will have "an enormous advantage in missile striking power in the near future."

Pauling Found

MONTEREY, Calif. Jan. 31--Dr. Linus Pauling, 59-year-old Nobel prize-winning chemist, was rescued unharmed Sunday from a treacherous ledge on which he had been trapped for nearly 24 hours.

The outspoken foe of nuclear bomb tests was in excellent condition but excited when a searcher led him from his sea-cliff perch overlooking the Pacific Ocean. He had started out for a walk Saturday morning from his nearby two-room cabin and followed a deer trail until he became lost