Can You Speak Over the Telephone. Как вести беседу по телефону - [19]

Dialogue 2 (Continuation)

Tourist B: And where does the Congress come into picture?

Guide: To begin with, none of this country’s far-reaching, programs — participation in the United Nations, economic, technical and military assistance — would have been possible without congressional action.

Tourist C: The annual appropriations of funds for enormous military build up, I presume, need congressional approval, too?

Guide: Absolutely so, but only on the recommendations of the Armed Services and Appropriations Committees of both Houses.

Tourist D: Who are the members of numerous House and Senate Committees?

Guide: They are usually experienced and authoritative members of Congress with long service. Their inspections abroad and participation in US delegations to the UN General Assembly and to many other international conferences give them firsthand experience with US foreign problems.

Tourist A: Who informs the members of Congress on the current foreign policy issues?

Guide: The Secretary of State does. He meets regularly with the members of Senate and House Committees and brief s them on a broad range of foreign policy matters. They are kept well-informed of the international developments affecting this country.

Tourist B: Does the State Department provide these bodies with comprehensive reports on US foreign policy?

Guide: To further facilitate the relationship with the Congress, the Secretary of State annually provides the Committees with a comprehensive report on US Foreign Policy.

Tourist D: Any other channels of communication with the Congress?

Guide: Yes, a constant and substantial interchange of views between the members of the Congress and the Department goes on through the Assistant Secretary for Congressional Relations.

Tourist D: Very well, Sir. On behalf of the foreign students I should like to thank you for a very interesting and detailed talk on the congressional participation in foreign policymaking.

WORDS AND WORD COMBINATIONS YOU MAY NEED

a critical decision решение по важному, не терпящему отлагательств вопросу

to attend to matters уделять внимание вопросам

the first-ranking member of the Cabinet член кабинета, занимающий наиболее высокое положение

manifoldа многочисленный, разнообразный

rescuev спасать, оказывать помощь

annual appropriations годовые ассигнования

military build up наращивание военных сил

numerousa многочисленный

firsthand experience личный опыт

G. MISCELLANEA

1. Dealing with Complaint

Mr Stogov: Hello, is that Parson’s Garage?

Telephone Voice: Yes, this is Fred Parson.

Mr Stogov: Good. This is Stogov. What I wanted to say, was that I can’t quite understand why you have sent me another bill for ₤25, considering that I’ve paid this bill already. I think it was at least four weeks ago.

Telephone Voice: Oh, sorry about that. You see, we’ve got a new girl in the office and she hasn’t quite got the hang of things yet. Just ignore it, will you? Sorry to have caused you this inconvenience. It won’t happen again, — at least, I hope not.

Mr Stogov: So do I. Good afternoon.

2. Thank You Talk

Mr Saveliev: Could I speak to Mr Abbott, please?

Mr Abbott: Speaking.

Mr Saveliev: Good morning, Mr Abbott. This is Saveliev.

Mr Abbott: Good morning, Mr Saveliev. I am glad to hear from you. How are you?

Mr Saveliev: Fine, and you, Jack?

Mr Abbott: I am fine, too.

Mr Saveliev: Thank you for the birthday card and the champagne. The card gave me as much pleasure as the wine.

Mr Abbott: How was it, good?

Mr Saveliev: It’s the best champagne I have ever had. You certainly hit the spot[16] with your gift. We missed both of you at the birthday party.

Mr Abbott: It’s a pity Alice and I could not come. But you know the reason.

Mr Saveliev: Yes, I do. We drank to your health. I hope you’ll come to my wife’s birthday party this spring.

Mr Abbott: Of course, we’ll be happy to. Best regards to Irene.

Mr Saveliev: Thank you. Say hello to Alice, please.

Mr Abbott: I will, good-bye.

Mr Saveliev: Good-bye.

3. Asking After Health

Mr Butov: Hello. May I speak to Mr Frost, please?

Secretary: Just a moment. Mr Frost, it’s for you.

Mr Frost: Hello, who’s speaking?

Mr Butov: This is Mr Butov.

Mr Frost: Good afternoon, Mr Butov. I haven’t heard from you since October.

Mr Butov: I had the flu for a couple of weeks, but I’m fine now.

Mr Frost: I’m glad to hear that. We did have a spell of bad weather.

Mr Butov: By the way, did you hear what happened to Fred Jackson?

Mr Frost: No, what about him?

Mr Butov: He has had such a bad case in the flu that they’ve taken him to the hospital.

Mr Frost: I am sorry to hear that. Poor fellow, he won’t be able to attend the session of the Assembly, then.

Mr Butov: I’m afraid not. And what about you, Mr Frost? Will you be present at the session?

Mr Frost: Unless I get ill.

Mr Butov: I hope you won’t. See you on Tuesday. Good-bye.

Mr Frost: Good-bye, Mr Butov.

4. Ordering Foodstuffs

Operator: Hello. Supermarket. Can I help you?

Mr Petrov: Hello. This is Petrov speaking. I’d like you to send me some things, please.

Operator: I’ll put you through to the Deliveries Department.