Letter from Deputy Minister of Justice, to Libero Sauro, January 27, 1941

Letter from the Deputy Minister of Justice, to Reverend Libero Sauro, January 27, 1941.

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 internees and their families. In this case, he seems to have provided information regarding the case of Renaldo (Leonard) Franceschini, the younger brother of internee James Franceschini, renown and wealthy businessman. It is likely this letter is a response to Sauro's oath/declaration on Franceschini's behalf (see ICEA2010-0008-0014).

Under the DOCR (Defence of Canada Regulations), after 30 days, internees could formally object to their detention to an advisory committee appointed by the Minister of Justice. The Minister of Justice then appointed a judge to review the internee’s case. This meant an examination of the RCMP’s evidence against the internee, meetings with the internee, and interviews with witnesses who could attest to the internee’s character. After this, the judge either recommended an internee’s release or continued internment to the Minister of Justice.

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