"I do feel that we would markedly reduce our crime rate if drugs were legalized," she replied. "But I don't know all of the ramifications of this. I do feel that we need to do some studies. And some of the countries that have legalized drugs and made it legal, they certainly have shown that there has been a reduction in their crime rate and there has been no increase in their drug use rate." 'Sensitive Subjects'

Asked by reporters after her appearance whether she had entered into a subject too sensitive to discuss, Dr. Elders added: "There are a lot of things that are sensitive subjects, and just because they're sensitive subjects does not mean that we should ignore them when they are destroying the very fabric of our country."

In recent weeks, the Administration has moved to seem more aggressive in fighting crime and curtailing violence, although its drug policy has tended to emphasize rehabilitation over prosecution. Republicans have seized upon the change in policy and have criticized the Administration for slashing the staff of the Office of Drug Control Policy.

The White House spokeswoman, Dee Dee Myers, said that when Mr. Clinton was told about Dr. Elders's recommendation to study the issue of legalizing drugs he said, "Basically, it's not going to happen."

In the Presidential campaign, Mr. Clinton came out squarely against legalization of heroin, marijuana and cocaine, noting that his brother Roger, who once was a drug addict, might not be alive today if drugs were more widely available.