R.S.-V.I.P. -- for both the Eds

The White House intended that the invitation go to Edward Finkelstein, the union publicist, but the letter went to Edward Finkelstein, the gasoline station owner. When Mr. Finkelstein, the service station man, twice questioned whether he might have been chosen by mistake, he was assured both times the White House doesn't make mistakes like that.

So he made plans to be in Washington Thursday with community leaders invited to a briefing with President Carter and other high government officials.

"The President is interested in meeting with community leaders from a wide variety of backgrounds, and we'll look forward to having Mr. Finkelstein -- both Mr. Finkelsteins -- here," Ann Wexler, a presidential assistant, said.

The mistake was attributed to both Finkelsteins' being residents of suburban University City.