216 Wallenstein
in association with France. Hence Wallenstein should be removed from
his command, because ‘in politics one should always assume and pro-
vide against the worst that may happen’.
Arguing hypothetically, at least ostensibly, Liechtenstein continued
that should it appear that the general were involved in treachery,
and that he could not be removed safely without killing him, then
Ferdinand should proceed as follows:
Select two or three of your confidential councillors, conscientious
and well versed in the law, and arrange for them to be thoroughly but
secretly informed as to what the generalissimo has effected against
Your Majesty, what indications there are of his further intentions,
and what particulars are available as to the danger to Your Majesty’s
person, esteemed House and lands, and to the true religion. They
should then be asked to deliver an opinion as to whether, should
there be no other sure way of deposing him, Your Majesty might,
without violating justice, deprive him of his life, .... as extreme evil
calls for extreme remedy, and for the preservation of the state every-
thing must be done which does not go against God.Ironically, considering Wallenstein’s own efforts, Liechtenstein added
that once the general had been replaced it would be essential for the
emperor to seek peace at the earliest opportunity, because the situation
was becoming ever worse, and hence ‘as Your Majesty cannot make
peace just as you would like it, you must make it as best you can’.
Emperor Ferdinand, often regarded as easy-going, even lazy, for once
acted swiftly and decisively. Whether or not Liechtenstein was the prin-
cipal influence, he followed the advice in his memorandum – apart from
making peace – almost to the letter. To the secret tribunal he appointed
Eggenberg, still the first minister, Trauttmansdorff, the coming man,
and Bishop Antonius of Vienna, a councillor and a churchman. Two
of these had long been regarded as Wallenstein’s supporters, while
Trauttmansdorff did not number among his more committed enemies,
but this was negated by the change in their personal attitudes to him
which had by then taken place, and by the impossibility of appearing
to side with the general in the atmosphere of crisis prevalent at court.
They met on 24 January, and they did not need to deliberate long.^37 As
a result of their findings an Imperial Patent (decree) was drawn up on
the same day, informing the army that Wallenstein had been removed
from his post, so that they were therefore released from their duty
towards him and should instead take their orders from Gallas until such