I WAS somewhat amused, but not altogether surprised, at Governor Mr Chris Patten's praise of various British governments' attempts at bringing independence to their colonies and dependent territories (Sunday Morning Post, April 11). It was rather a pity that the Governor did not provide any examples of those countries brought to independence with such ''great skill'' as he proclaims. Perhaps he could enlighten your readers as to the state of ''democracy, rule of law, and clean and honest government'' that have existed since independence in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, Zambia, Malawi, Kenya, Tanzania and, of course, Idi Amin's Uganda. If these are shining examples of British governments' political successes then heaven help us should he and the British Government botch the Hongkong issue. A. E. CUTLER O Pui Village