o - Memorial University of Newfoundland DAI

the internment of Germans. national rea:istration and a more active prosecution of the
war. Both the Federal government and the ReMP tried 10 dissuade die public from
denouncing lheit neichbours as enemy aliens or fifth columnists. Minister of Justice
l..apoime worried abouc the pocetttiaJ of a sixth m1umn developina to deal widt the
fifth column. asked the public to kave anci-$UbYenrve work 10 the ReMP.
167
Prior 10 the outbreak of war with haly the ReMP wanled a system in place co
deal with Italian Consular Offices and OffICialS. They wanted legal provisions
enacted to allow them 10 searcb the premises of those they suspecled were involved in
activities against the Swe. The ReMP also wanced the names of all employees of the
Italian consuls 50 IS 10 avo'd the problems dw lX:CUrTCd in the German situation
wherein the German Consuls made several last mimne additiom 10 their employee
lists to protect those disseminarina Nazi propapnda in Canada."
The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs wroce 10 the Secretary of Slate for
Elttemal Affain oudining bow 10 deal with halians in the event of war. It was
decided that memben of the Fascia shouJd be inIcmed. lK'It withstandina: British
citiz:eosbip either by birth or naruraJizatioo. ltaliu: aWes from aaes 1610 10 wouJd
be eli&iblc for incemmem: if !bey "-I beeIl residents of CaDIda for Ics.s than 20 years.
It was abo decided that mcmben of the Dopouvoro or any other women's auxiliary
would not be interned unless they also belon&cd to lbe Fascio Feminile or the Fascist
'ICSlS. vol. 1. Leau from Wood to Skeleon. b: 1tJJli4Jt Cotullllu OfJicm. 28
May 1940. 1.