o - Memorial University of Newfoundland DAI

QwMcr 2· The KeMP' Idmiory Ind Orpnjprign
This chapter examines the RCMP m-i.. the 19305 in an attempt 10 understand
the force's actiolls. particularly its obsession with Communism. The word obsession
is perhaps 100 slronl as ie implies thac the RCMP investipced Communists while
ignoring other groups such as Fascists. From 1934 onwvds the RCMP was
investigaeing Fascise movemencs in Canada. bue it did not view such movemenlS as a
serious threat. It coneinued 10 investipte the Fascists despire not seei"l them as a
threat. as is evidenced by the thousands of RCMP files. held by CSlS. on Fascism.
However. these investiptioas were often cursory. While these files indicale dw
Fascisu were heina investipled. the absc!lce of any mention or them in the S«Juiry
&dletiJu is indicative of the RCMP rclarive lack ofc:oram about the Fascist thtea1 in
comparUon 10 the Communist threat. SeYenJ sc:boIan have taken the obsession wid!
Communism 10 mean dial: ocher" JfOUPS were ipored. This point hu been made by
Rei Whitaker. Daniel Robinlon aDd 101m SlaDbI. Racber dian bei.. indicative of a
lack or inve:stipDon imo £uc:ism. boweva'. lbis lack or in£ormatiorl on Fascism in the
S«1Uily 8IdldiJc indicaces that the RCMP viewed Communism as the peater threac.
noc the only dlreat. The RCMP beliew:d thai: Communism was the biggest threaC 10
Canldian democracy. and they wanced 10 insure dw reIden or the BldiniIlS would
share their view or the Communise danpr. While the RCMP did inveseigare Fascists.
their invescipcions largely involved aaendiDc rneetinp aDd reading literature. This