Letter from James Skinner, to Office of Custodian, July 23, 1940

This typewritten letter by James Skinner is addressed to the Office of Custodian, on July 23, 1940. Skinner writes regarding the internment of Victor Fabri.

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.

Victor Fabri was interned at Camp Kananaskis and Camp Petawawa. From this letter, we learn he was an active supporter and campaigner for the Liberal Party (the governing party), having served as the "Official Agent for the Liberal Candidate in the last Election". Other reports suggest Fabri was also an active member of the fascio in Vancouver. It would appear he did not seem to think there was a inherent conflict in being a Liberal and fascist supporter.