While we appreciate the French proposal, we must vehemently deny it. The Confederation is weak and ineffective in its current state, and accepting any position in its government, much more one solely of prestige, would be a stain on great Prussia, rather than a boon. The, seemingly retracted, Italian proposal is more agreeable, but is far from what we wish for. As it seems this conference that it will be unable to produce an agreeable result, we deliver an ultimatum.
1. A Diet is to be held in Berlin regarding the reformation, and potential dissolution, of the German Confederation, and shall be attended by all member states.
2. The Duchy of Schleswig-Holstein is governed as an autonomous province within Prussia.
3. Northern Germany is internationally recognized under the sphere of Prussian influence by all signatories, and Austria is to withdraw all attempts to put them under its own influence.
4. The foreign ministry of Austria is to issue a public apology for the Diet of Holstein, an attempt to suppress the Prussian sovereignty and power.
5. Both Austria and Prussia are to enter a pact of nonaggression for a period of 5 years.
6. Austrian troops are to be allowed movement through Prussian lands and vice versa.
7. Austria is to be paid $750,000 from the Prussian Treasury
8. Should the terms of the above treaty be violated in any shape or form, all signatories
While these are drastic terms, they are what Prussia needs. As mentioned, this is an ultimatum and we demand that this be accepted or war will breakout. We hope that it won't come to that conclusion.
- Foreign Minister Otto Von Bismarck
