"Originally it was a suggestion, but that was because the Pope hadn't confirmed it. Cardinal Ratzinger later wrote (May 30, 1988): "Regarding the second point, the Holy Father confirms what I had already indicated to you on his behalf, namely that he is disposed to, etc..."
But Ratzinger's own secretary, in the phony letter drawn up for Lefebvre to sign, repeated the word "suggestion"--which was the final straw for the Archbishop. Besides, how is Ratzinger's comment that the Pope "is disposed" to grant a bishop supposed to be reassuring? How is this any better than entertaining a suggestion? It is a slight movement in the right direction, but still not a promise. It is far less than a commitment. After all, they weren't talking about church architecture. The survival of the ancient Mass was at stake. Why couldn't the Pontiff have simply said yes? He said yes to all of Bernadin's boys. He said yes to Mahoney and worse. The guess was that the Pope was looking for a weak link to be consecrated, somebody easily manipulated. If he couldn't have such an individual, he would mandate no bishops at all. This was why he had already turned down so many names presented by the Archbishop--men of iron commitment to the ancient Mass.
This letter was given to Msgr. Lefebvre to send in response to the Pope's letter:
Lastly, I wish to express my gratitude for the intention that you manifested to take into account the particular situation of the Society, proposing to nominate a bishop chosen from its members, and especially in charge of providing for its special needs. Of course, I leave to Your Holiness the decision concerning the person to be chosen and the opportune moment. May I just express the wish that this be in the not too distant future?
Of the letter you refer, Msgr. Lefebvre says:
Indeed, in that letter - I do not have it here - which he brought me from the Holy Father, there is an astonishing sentence. It goes, "It is possible that we consider one day granting you a consecration," as if it was something very vague, a mere possibility, an eventuality. I cannot accept that.
It would seem that he misremembered, as the response prepared for him does not fit with this "possibility".