During the colonial era, who was the link officer between the British government and the colonial government? The

Analyze the question: It asks who served as the link (the channel of communication) between the British government in London and the colonial government in the colony.

Concept: British colonial administration was run from London through the Colonial Office. The head of that office was the Secretary of State for the Colonies, a member of the British Cabinet. He was responsible to the British Parliament for colonial affairs. He received reports from colonial governors and sent them instructions and policy directives from the British government.

Going through the options:

• A. Colonial governor: He was the chief representative of the Crown in the colony and headed the colonial government. He was the officer on the ground, not the link at the London end. The Secretary of State was the one who connected the two governments, and the governor reported to him.
• B. Councillor for exchequer: This is not a recognised link office. It deals with finance.
• C. Legislative assembly: This was a law-making body in the colony and had no role in linking the two governments.
• D. Queen of England: She was the monarch and the nominal head of the empire, but she did not handle day-to-day colonial communication.
• E. Secretary of State for the Colonies: He was the minister in the British government who supervised the colonies. He communicated directly with the governors and acted as the link between London and the colonial administration.

Answer: E. Secretary of State for the Colonies.

Exam tip: Remember the chain of command: British Parliament/Cabinet → Secretary of State for the Colonies → Governor → local administration. When a question says "link" between London and the colony, think of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, who sat in London, and of the Colonial Office, which he headed.