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. His Majesty the King 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 Sec. 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. The Section of Ministers hereupon alleged that according to the Constitutional law Sec. 15 the Prime Minister was the responsible executive for the accepted resolutions. Until the decision had been countersigned, it was not obligatory; a report could, naturally, be given of the negotiations, but not the customary protocol, including also a Royal decree.