The opposition to the decrees was strongest among the German Bishops, and Prince Hohenlohe, the Prime Minister of Bavaria, supported by his brother the Cardinal, was anxious to persuade the Governments of Europe to interfere, and, as they could have done, to prevent the Council from coming to any conclusion.

Bismarck refused on behalf of the Prussian Government to take any steps in this direction.

The conclusion of the Council and the proclamation of the decrees took place just at the time of the outbreak of war with France.

For some months Bismarck, occupied as he was with other matters, was unable to consider the changes which might be caused; it was moreover very important for him during the negotiations with Bavaria, which lasted all through the autumn, not to do anything which would arouse the fears of the Ultramontanes or intensify their reluctance to enter the Empire.
In the winter of 1870 the first sign of the dangers ahead was to be seen.

They arose from the occupation of Rome by the Italians.