Patten accused

PEKING - China sharpened its attacks on the Governor of Hong Kong, Chris Patten, yesterday, accusing him of being 'dreadfully irresponsible' for moving ahead with democratic reforms in the territory before China takes control in 1997. An official statement said Mr Patten had intentionally scuttled talks on Hong Kong by deciding to submit a partial package of electoral reforms to the colony's legislature, despite China's objections. 'The 'cap' of sabotaging the talks can never be put on the head of the Chinese side,' a government spokesman said. 'It fits you, Mr Chris Patten, perfectly.' Reuter