The island was administered jointly by the British Phosphate commissioners and district officers from the United Kingdom Colonial Office through the Straits Settlements, and later the Crown Colony of Singapore.
A illa foi administrada conxuntamente polos comisionados de British Phosphate e os oficiais de distrito do Reino Unido Oficina Colonial a través das Colonias do Estreito, e máis tarde pola Colonia da Coroa de Singapur.