What is dahlerus?

Gustav Dahlerus (1879-1952) was a Swedish businessman and mediator during World War II. He played a key role in negotiating the "Dahlerus Plan," which aimed to resolve the conflict between Great Britain and Nazi Germany in 1939.

Dahlerus was well-connected and had extensive business interests in both Britain and Germany. In the summer of 1939, he began informal talks with Hitler's deputy, Rudolf Hess, in an effort to prevent war.

Dahlerus proposed a plan under which Germany would be given a free hand in Eastern Europe in exchange for a promise not to invade Western Europe. He also suggested a peace conference to be held within a year of the agreement's signing.

Although British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain initially expressed interest in the plan, it was ultimately rejected by both Britain and Germany. The negotiations, however, did result in a temporary easing of tensions that allowed Germany to invade Poland without British intervention.

After the outbreak of war, Dahlerus continued to work for peace. He helped secure the release of British prisoners of war held by the Germans and assisted in negotiating a cease-fire in Norway in 1940.

After the war, Dahlerus faced criticism for his contacts with the Nazis. He defended his actions, saying that his aim was to prevent war and that he had acted as a mediator rather than a collaborator.