LOS ANGELES, Mar. 18 – Charles M. Manson’s lawyer asked Tuesday that “one or more” psychiatrists be appointed to determine the sanity of his client because of what he described as the hippie leader’s “confused and bizarre” behavior.

Attorney Charles Hollopeter also gave notice that he will seek a separate trial for Manson and a postponement of the present March 30 trial date.

Superior Judge William B. Keene set Thursday morning for oral arguments on Hollopeter’s motions.

In a declaration attached to his notice of motion for a psychiatric examination, the attorney, who was appointed to defend Manson over Manson’s objections, said the defendant’s recent conduct both in and out of court have raised in Hollopeter’s mind a doubt as to Manson’s sanity and whether Manson can cooperate in his defense.

Hollopeter cited his client’s behavior in four jail interviews and before Judge Keene last week when Manson refused to respond to questioning addressed to him by the court.

Manson, according to Hollopeter, “at least on occasion” speaks in “an irrelevant fashion” and “appears to be suspicious” of his lawyer.

The psychiatric report, which the attorney has asked be made confidential, will be used by him, he said, to determine whether he should prepare a defense based on insanity.

Hollopeter explained that be will argue for a trial separate from co-defendant Susan Denise Atkins because of her testimony before the County Grand Jury and statements given by her to police and prosecutors, all of which, he said, “directly implicate” Manson in the Tate-LaBianca slayings.

Dep. Dist. Attys. Aaron H. Stovitz and Vincent T. Bugliosi said they will oppose any attempt to sever her case from those of Manson and the other defendants.

Hollopeter, in seeking a delay of the trial date, said he needs at least 30 days to adequately prepare Manson’s defense. He was appointed to represent Manson less than two weeks ago.

By RON EINSTOSS