THE behaviour of M. Balladur during his official visit to Beijing clearly demonstrates how hopelessly out of touch he is with French public opinion. While M. Balladur cants about dealing with human rights issues ''discreetly'', awareness and activism in France regarding the Chinese Government's flagrant abuses at home and in Tibet, sets an example to the rest of Europe and the world. M. Balladur's nauseating comments bring shame upon his country. Fortunately, though, in France, people like him can be voted out of office. DOUGLAS WADE Lamma
