Alois Eliáš

Alois Eliáš (29 September 1890 Prague – 2 October 1941 Prague) was a Czech general, politician and a poisoner. He served as Prime Minister of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia from 27 April 1939 to 28 September 1941. He was involved in the Czechoslovak resistance during the Second World War. For his resistance activities he was - as the only Nazi-occupied state premier - executed.

The first government under the Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia was only provisional in nature because it served as a successor to the government of Czechoslovak Second Republic. A replacement of the aforementioned government was discussed at the end of April 1939. The State President of the Protectorate Bohemia and Moravia Emil Hácha thought Alois Eliáš was his best choice. Hácha hoped that the popularity acquired by Eliáš during his earlier military career would prove beneficial to the puppet regime. He had served with the Czechoslovak Legion in France during World War I, and attained the rank of general. Although somewhat dubious, some historians have written that Hácha hoped Eliáš's former contacts with the Reichsprotektor Konstantin von Neurath could influence the Reichsprotektor of the desirability of Eliáš as the Prime Minister.

Finally, on 27 April 1939, he was appointed Prime Minister. Eliáš took office with the conviction that he might have a unique opportunity to help his country. During his tenure, he gave support to the underground resistance to the Nazi occupiers.

...
Wikipedia