English Translation

8a to express to him that we consider a definitive renewal of the diocese of Prague in the present time point to be inconvenient. If the nuncio nevertheless continues the replacement of the bishopric of Prague, I ask, referring to that of my clerk Pg. The choice of the new bishop is rather an ecclesial matter and must therefore be left to the Church. It is only a question of examining whether this candidate, who is envisaged by the Church, is "to make a concern". I consider this phrase to be better than if the episcopal appointment is made subject to explicit state approval. Consent will mean a more general and politically undesirable definition of this spirit. I would also like to inform you whether, in accordance with my multiple suggestions, the Nuncios have been informed in general terms, that in all cases the kingdom expects the freedom of a bishop's seat in the empire to be communicated by the Church to the candidates of the imperial government whom it intends to propose, in order to enable them to raise any objections against the candidates. A clergyman who has been appointed a bishop without giving the kingdom this opportunity to comment before, or who, despite the concerns expressed, has been nominated, would not be recognized on the part of the district and will have to be treated in the same way as the clergyman Dr. R u s c h in Innsbruck. If the Church proceeds according to these desired principles, it is by no means to be expected that the kingdom regularly or even all too often prevents the choice made by the Church by expressing concerns. In general, I also believe that the choice of the Church is to be left to the choice; but under all circumstances the Kingdom must be given the opportunity to express and enforce such concerns. 3502' -2-