"I pledge the United States to a major effort for peace in the Middle East." Ford declared, drawing one of ten rounds of applause that punctuated his speech.

Ford did not waver from the declarations of Secretary of State Henry A. Kissinger '50 when he said the United States has accepted a reconvention of the Geneva conference on the Mideast "in principle," but is willing "to explore other forums."

The president said U.S. relations "with Europe have never stronger," adding that he expects to attend "a Western summit in the very near future."

Ford asked Congress to life its ban of arms shipments to Turkey, calling the embargo "an unprecedented act against a friend."

'Mutual Interest'

He said he understands concerns over Turkey's invasion of Cyprus, but U.S, aid to Turkey "is a clear and essential mutual interest."

"U.S. military bases in Turkey are as critical to our own security as they are to the security of NATO," he added.

Ford also asked Congress to lift restrictions in the Trade Act of 1974 that refuse most favored nation status to the Soviet Union unless its emigration policies are eased.

Ford said the restrictions had enabled Western Europe and Japan to extend $8 billion in credits to the Soviet Union in the past six months.

These are economic opportunities" which the United States is missing, he said.

Ford praised the work of the Central Intelligence Agency, saying it "has been of maximum importance to me" as well as to presidents before him.

He said congressional review of the CIA is proper, but "sensationalized public debate" would restrict American policy "while our potential enemies operate with secrecy, skill and vast resources."

Ford said no nation should double American "determination to maintain a defense that is second to none." And raising his voice, he declared: "We are strong and we are ready and we intend to remain so." The remark drew a short round of applause from legislators