»The Crown-Prince as Regent in a joint Cabinet Council on the 5th April has already pointed out the only way, in which this important matter can be presented, and all difficulties thereby be removed, that is, by negotiation. I give this decision my entire approval, and do not find the present moment suitable for sanctioning the law, which implies a change in the existing partnership in the Consular Service, which cannot be dissolved except by mutual agreement. The present regulation is established in consequence of a resolution in a Joint Cabinet Council, and therefore a separate Consular Service cannot be established either for Sweden or for Norway before the matter has been dealt with in the same Constitutional forms prescribed by the Act of Union § 5. In refusing now to give My sanction to this law, I am supported by §§ 30 and 78 in the Constitutional law, which give the King this right. The equal love I bear to my two peoples, makes it my duty to exercise this right.»
The Section of the Cabinet Council resolved first to institute further negotiations in the Cabinet Council in Christiania, in order that His Majesty might deal with this important matter, which might lead to a serious crisis in the government then in office.
The King
declared Himself unwilling to assent to this appeal and pointed out that the Norwegian government’s proposal was received and dealt with.
Thereupon the Section of the Cabinet Council made the strongest representations in reference to His Majesty’s decision, which would rouse complaints in Norway, where they had hoped that the persistent and loyal efforts to solve the problem through negotiations with Sweden, would have led to happy results in reference to the rights and claims of the Kingdom. In this case Norway’s interests in the Union were equal with those of Sweden. For that Norway’s rights were respected, was a necessary condition for a safe guarantee of the Union. A resolution after His Majesty’s decision against the unanimous proposal of the government, and after a declaration which was given with Norwegian advice, would have incalculable results. It was in conflict without Constitutional law, it was denial of the right according to fundamental law of independent decision on the matter, and a violation of its liberty, independence, and Sovereignty. It would inevitably lead to the dissolution of the Union.
The Section of the Cabinet Council further stated that no member of the present Council would countersign such a resolution, and thus give it constitutional legality. They must therefore tender their letters of resignation.
then read the following reply:
»As it is evident to Me that a new government cannot now be formed I cannot consent to he resignation of the Ministers.»
Furthermore His Majesty referred to the Constitution § 30, and affirmed that the Ministers had now dutifully »expressed their opinions with boldness», and »made strong representations» against His decision; therefore they were free from responsibility. But the same paragraph reserved to the King the right to make his decisions, »according to His own judgment.» He was therefore entitled, according to fundamental law, to make the above mentioned decision, and it was the duty of the Ministers to draw up and countersign the protocol respecting the negotiations and agreements on the matter.