Letter from Libero Sauro (unsigned), to Canadian Bank of Commerce, February 16, 1942

Letter from Libero Sauro (unsigned), to Canadian Bank of Commerce, regarding the affairs of Donato Olivieri, February 16, 1942, two pages.

Rev. Libero Sauro was arrested on September 7, 1940 and held at Don Jail before being transferred to Petawawa Internment Camp.

After his release, Sauro continued to help other Italian Canadian internees and their families. In this apparent draft of a letter, he is writing employees of the Canadian Bank of Commerice on behalf of Donato Olivieri, a fellow member of the Order Sons of Italy. The intent of the letter is not clear. Olivieri was still interned at the time of the writing, but it may pertain to business interests which he held.

In the letter Sauro names Camillo Vetere, a known community informant. An active fascist, Vetere provided names to the RCMP from communities throughout Ontario and in Montreal. He himself was never interned. Sauro notes that he met with Vetere in January 1941, and Vetere admitted his direct involvement with the Italian government in promoting fascism in Canada.

Olivieri's case is interesting in that his wife Francesca was also detained although not interned. The RCMP files note her leadership role with the Fascio Femminile.

This document forms part of a collection of documents and other materials donated by the Sauro family.