 It also complied with an undertaking to Emperor Leopold I not to use the Spanish Netherlands as an invasion route.In April 1672, France paid Sweden subsidies to remain neutral, while also promising military support if 'threatened' by Brandenburg-Prussia; this offset an agreement of 6 May between the Republic and Frederick William, whose territories included the Duchy of Cleves on their eastern border.Hoping to gain English support, on 25 February 1672 the States General appointed 22-year old William Captain-General of the federal army, an authorised total of 83,000 men.