being fortified would rather serve to block up Brussels and the other great cities of Brabant.
Secondly, as to what is said in the seventh article of the counterproject of England, relating to the augmentation of garrisons in thie towns of the barrier in case of an open war; this is agreeable to the opinions of the said prince and count; who think likewise, that there ought to be added to the eighth article, that no goods or merchandise should be sent into the towns where the States-general shall have garrisons, nor be comprehended under the names of such things as the said garrisons and fortifications shall have need of. And to this end the said things shall be inspected in those places where they are to pass; as likewise the quantity shall be settled that the garrisons may want.
Thirdly, as to the ninth article relating to the governors and commanders of those towns, forts, and places where the States-general shall have their garrisons; the said prince and count are of opinion, that the said governors and commanders ought to take an oath as well to the king of Spain as to the States-general: but they may take a particular oath to the latter, that they will not admit foreign troops without their consent; and that they will depend exclusively upon the said States in whatever regards the military power. But at the same time they ought exclusively to promise the king of Spain, that they will not intermeddle in the affairs of law, civil power, revenues, or any other matters, ecclesiastical or civil, unless at the desire of the king's officers to assist them in the execution; in which case the said commanders should be obliged not to refuse them.
