It has come to our attention that the Emperor has promulgated a new decree that purports to revoke and regulate our lawful titles. While we categorically reject the Emperor's claim of authority to unilaterally revoke and regulate such lawful titles without the approval of the College of Electors and an Imperial Diet, for the purposes of maintaining peace and stability within the Empire we will nonetheless comply with the Emperor's decree in the following manner:

1. Regarding the Emperor's claim that the rank of archduchy is now revoked within the Empire, and recognizing the very legitimate historical and legal basis for Lorraine's rank and precedence above a regular duchy, and the previous Emperor's recognition of Lorraine's super-ducal status, Lorraine shall henceforth be referred to and treated as a grand duchy, with rank and precedence above all ordinary duchies.

2. Regarding the Emperor's claim that future Kings of Arles are to be crowned solely by the Emperor, we note that such a coronation is merely a ceremonial act and that successors to the Kingdom of Arles inherit the Kingship and all of its rights, powers, prerogatives, and privileges immediately upon the death of the previous incumbent, and not conditional upon such a coronation ceremony taking place, and furthermore that the Emperor's sole role in crowning the Kings does not prohibit others from anointing, proclaiming, inaugurating, and otherwise solemnizing and celebrating the ascent of a new King.