Which statement best describes Newfoundland's postwar status options?

• A. Return to colonial status or leave the British commission in place
• B. Join the United States
• C. Become an independent nation
• D. Remain under direct British rule with no change

Answer: (A)

Newfoundland in the immediate postwar period was weighing two practical constitutional paths with Britain: revert to a fully colonial status under direct British rule, or keep the British Commission of Government in place, meaning Newfoundland would continue to be governed by British-appointed commissioners rather than by locally elected self-government. These were the realistic options facing the island before its eventual decision to pursue a different course later on. The other choices—joining the United States, becoming an independent nation, or remaining under direct British rule with no change—do not reflect the actual postwar options discussed, since the meaningful divergence was between returning to colonial status and continuing the Commission of Government.