VARIOUS opinion polls have shown that a majority of the Hongkong public favour negotiations with China on the issue of political reforms. If the Governor, Chris Patten, is sincere about his duties to the people of Hongkong, he should start talks without delay. The surveys have shown that a majority of Hongkong people favour talks with China, even if it means that the Hongkong Government has to concede that the Hongkong side can only participate as ''consultants'' in the talks. In fact, if Mr Patten kept in touch with public opinion, he would discover that Hongkong people simply want the two sides to talk. According to the most recent opinion poll, only about 27 per cent of Hongkong people still support his proposals for reform. Mr Patten should not ignore the wishes of the majority. Lately, the Chinese side has displayed moderation. I would like to see the British side reciprocating. JOHN W. S. CHAN Mid-Levels
