Letter 4

From: Justinian I, Emperor of the Romans To: Theudebert I, King of the Franks (Austrasia) Date: ~540 AD Context: Justinian responds to Theudebert's report of his Italian operations with carefully worded imperial displeasure, dressed in diplomatic language, while keeping the alliance intact. Justinian, the pious, the fortunate, the famous, the triumphant, the ever-augustus, to our beloved son Theudebert, king of the Franks, greetings. We have received your letters regarding your operations in Italy and we have read them with the careful attention that communications from a valued ally deserve. We note with satisfaction your acknowledgment of Roman interest in the stability of Italy and your expressed willingness to discuss the settlement of territorial questions through negotiation. This is the language of a ruler who understands that the enduring relations between kingdoms are built on words as well as weapons. We will say, with the frankness that our relationship warrants: the entry of Frankish forces into the Italian campaign without prior consultation created certain complications that your ambassadors and ours will need to work through. We do not say this to create ill-feeling where none need exist. We say it because it is true and because our relationship is strong enough to hold an honest accounting. We commend your military effectiveness. The Gothic problem in northern Italy is real and we are not indifferent to those who address it. The question is how the results of that effectiveness are organized into a lasting settlement. We look forward to the conversations that your ambassadors are authorized to conduct. Send us men with full powers to negotiate, and we will meet them with the same. Given at Constantinople.