News In Brief

Meese was given memos on Carter briefing conduit

Previously undisclosed documents showed Wednesday that presidential aide Edwin Meese III was given memos during the 1980 Reagan campaign mentioning that Carter administration workers were passing information to the Reagan side. Mr. Meese's four-day confirmation hearing for attorney general ended Tuesday.

Sen. Howard M. Metzenbaum (D) of Ohio asked Meese, in a written inquiry, if he had been aware ''that the Reagan campaign was receiving information'' from the Carter administration or campaign. ''What is your position with respect to the propriety of such a practice?'' the senator asked.

Meese agreed to answer written follow-up questions submitted by committee members, who may vote next week on whether to recommend his confirmation.