In 1640, the Generalitat, presided over by Pau Claris, and the Consell de Cent broke with the Spanish monarchy. Felipe IV and Olivares planned to invade the Principality. Pau Claris convened the Junta de Braços and took the necessary steps to set up a Catalan army. At the same time, representatives of the institutions contacted Louis XIII and obtained the promise of French military support for a Catalan republic. The Spanish invasion began at Tortosa in November and by January 1641, the troops were at Martorell. Under pressure from Richelieu, the Junta de Braços proclaimed Louis XIII Count of Barcelona.