Folio 16. Unsigned memorandum, investigating ways and means of raising a joint defence...

Folio 16. Unsigned memorandum, investigating ways and means of raising a joint defence force to maintain integrity and security of the entire empire in the face of threats and/or attacks by 'the powerful crown of France'. Probably prepared as a working paper for use at an assembly of the six circles to be convened at a later date and considering three methods, viz. (i) 'per conclusa conciliorum ['concitiorum', MS] universalium', or general resolution, i.e. making the creation of such a force as well as the declaration of war the responsibility of the imperial diet at Ratisbon; (ii) 'per pacta specialia', to be concluded between the Emperor and individual 'armed' electors and other princes; and (iii) 'per conclusa circulorum', i.e. joint resolution and concerted planning and action by all estates of the six ['upper'] circles. Rejecting modus (i) and (ii), not merely for administrative, but also for operational and economic reasons, as unviable and ineffective and recommending (iii) as the only practicable.

Date and Place: 1696 May 28, no place [Frankfurt]