Letter from F.P. Varese, to Mr. Alfo Bacci, September 22, 1941

Typewritten letter from F.P. Varese, Assistant Deputy Minister of Justice, to Alfo Bacci, written on September 22, 1941, regarding the internment of Ruggero Bacci. Varese notes that Bacci is being detained as an enemy alien and the continuation of his internment is under the jurisdiction of the Registrar General of Enemy Aliens, to whom he has forwarded a copy of the letter.

Originally detained under Regulation 21 of the Defence of Canada Regulations, Bacci was later held under Regulation 25(8).

Under Regulation 21, the Minister of Justice had the ability to intern any individual suspected of acting “in any manner prejudicial to the public safety or the safety of the state.” Under this regulation, habeas corpus – the need to produce evidence against an internee – and the right to a fair trial were suspended. However, 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.

Under Regulation 25, the Registrar General of Enemy Aliens, appointed by the Governor in Council, could also intern enemy aliens considered a threat to public safety and who refused to sign an undertaking.

As a leading member of the Fascio Umberto Principe, Bacci was originally detained under Regulation 21. He did have a review of his case, and his detention was ordered continued by Justice J.D. Hyndman. It appears as an Italian national, he then fell under Regulation 25, and his internment was continued under this provision.

An identical letter was sent to Alfo's older brother Aldo -- see LICEA2012-0002-0059.