Hints of reason

For all the East-West barrages on arms control, could it be that doubts and fears are being eased a bit by the realism of mutual interest? Romanian President Ceausescu took a Warsaw Pact lead in calling for consideration of President Reagan's proposals to cut back nuclear arms. Even one Soviet high official called them a welcome change.

Now in the heart of the antinuclear movement, the Netherlands, the prime minister has responded to a massive demonstration by challenging both nuclear weaponry and the fear of it. ''I understand the fears many people have, but fear alone is no protection against destruction,'' he said, recognizing united defense as a basis for progress against the bomb. ''We need practical measures, and moving away from NATO is not the way.''

Here a little, there a little. Hints of reason in the face of nuclear madness.