Letter from Crowell, Balcom, & Co., to Gordon MacAulay, February 10, 1941

This typewritten letter from Crowell, Balcom, & Co., is addressed to Gordon MacAulay, Inspector of Relief, New Waterford, N.S. Written on February 10, 1941, the letter pertains to the family of internee Giovanni Dal Bello. His wife, although not on government assistance, had been in touch with the relief office regarding the issues of access to the family car and funds.

As noted in the response, the Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP), a branch of the Canadian government, oversaw the administration of assets belonging to internees and other enemy aliens. This government office served a dual function. Acting as a trustee for the internee/enemy alien, the office and its agents also protected the interests of the creditors. The CEP would pay off an internee’s debts by selling his or her property or businesses. It also collected money owed to internees by others. Families of internees often did not have access to the husband's assets and bank accounts. As a result, families often had to negotiate with the CEP for stipends for daily subsistence or use of assets like an automobile. In some cases, where assets were lacking, the CEP divested itself of any interest and left the families to fend for themselves.

Here, the CEP agents in this case, Crowell, Balcom, & Co., argue against allowing the Dal Bello family access to the family car. Their reasons for doing so are elaborated on in another document (see LDICEA2012.0017.0029.a-b).