Letter from Joseph Jean, M.P., to Pierre Casgrain, December 23, 1940 - solo in inglese

This typewritten letter in French, on official House of Commons stationary, was written by Joseph Jean MP, to Pierre Casgrain, Secretary of State, December 23, 1940. Jean, a Liberal member of the House of Commons and later the Solicitor General of Canada, writes with respect to the internment of Gabriele Frascadore.

Frascadore's assets and business had been seized by the Custodian of Enemy Property (CEP), a branch of the Canadian government that 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.

Jean notes that Mrs. Frascadore and several dependant children find it "impossible to live without these revenues". He asks that she be permitted access to a specified amount.