8. Finally, the business of the departments would be kept distinct, so that each would manage its own affairs for itself, and one department have no influence over the other, save through the king alone. Their number would also be reduced, so that there should be only one department for each branch of business.
As regards the affairs, the king laid down the following general rules:—
1.—The Foreign Department.
(a) The king would seek no further influence at foreign courts than the position of his kingdoms and their commerce required.
(b) He would save all the expense which the ostentation of numerous ministers at foreign courts entailed; and
(c) Tolerate no influence over the internal affairs of his kingdoms or elsewhere.
(d) He would adhere faithfully to the Russian alliance, but did not wish the latter court to found its security on accidental circumstances, but trust to the integrity of his conduct, of which the king had given the empress very evident proofs recently.
(e) His Majesty would not expend more money on the Swedish affair than was stipulated by treaty, and not interfere in the private quarrels in that country.
With regard to the last two points, the king himself read everything that could be urged for and against them, and afterwards decided himself, as his Majesty previously possessed no settled opinion or conviction.
2.—The Finances.