Treaty of Westphalia

( 1648 ) Commentary by Christopher Ohan, American University of Kuwait

“And to prevent for the future any Differences arising in the Politick State, all and every one of the Electors, Princes and States of the Roman Empire, are so establish'd and confirm'd in their antient Rights, Prerogatives, Libertys, Privileges, free exercise of Territorial Right, as well Ecclesiastick, as Politick Lordships, Regales, by virtue of this present Transaction: that they never can or ought to be molested therein by any whomsoever upon any manner of pretence.” - Article LXIV
“No King of France can or ought ever to pretend to or usurp any Right or Power over the said Countrys situated on this and the other side the Rhine.” - Article LXXXIX
“And for the Remainder of their Rights and Privileges, Ecclesiastical and Secular, which they enjoy'd before these Troubles, they shall be maintain'd therein; save, nevertheless the Rights of Sovereignty, and what depends thereon, for the Lords to whom they belong.” - Article CXVII

Engraving of Cardinal Richelieu by Robert Nanteuil (Yale University Art Gallery)

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