Force majeure

Is that Mr Ivanov?	Это г-н Иванов?
Speaking. Good afternoon, Mr Green.	Слушаю. Добрый день, г-н Грин.
Good afternoon. You probably know that the dockers of Hull are on strike, but all the equipment you ordered was delivered to Hull for loading on board your vessel last week. What are we supposed to do now?	Добрый день. Вы вероятно знаете, что докеры порта Гуля бастуют, а все заказанное Вами оборудование доставлено на прошлой неделе в Гуль для погрузки на ваше судно. Что будем теперь делать?
That's very bad. And our vessel is at the port by now.	Это очень плохо. И наше судно к настоящему времени уже в порту.
I know that, too.	Я тоже знаю об этом.
Well, I think we'll have to wait and see. Meanwhile I'll try to find out chances at my end and you do it at yours. Then contact me again. Goodbye for now.	Ну, я полагаю, нам нужно подождать и посмотреть. Тем временем я постараюсь выяснить возможности со своей стороны, а вы – со своей. Тогда свяжитесь со мной еще раз. А пока до свидания!
Goodbye.	До свидания!

Activities

Exercise 1. Read these dialogues and pay attention to the new words and phrases.

Exercise 2. Reproduce these dialogues as close to the text as possible.

Exercise 3. Practise spelling different names over the telephone.

Exercise 4. What would you say in reply to these remarks?

1. There's something I'd like to talk to you about. When can we meet?

2. This is Mr Fray's secretary. I'm calling to confirm your appointment with Mr Fray for tomorrow, at 10 a.m.

3. We'd like to place another order for spare parts.

4. Could you make a delivery in November?

5. I understand the spares will be delivered at the same prices as previously?

6. I'm afraid you can get the first lot of goods a bit behind schedules.

7. I hope we'll manage to deliver the last lot on time.

8. You can expect our inspectors to arrive at the factory Monday morning.

9. Unfortunately shipment of the 1^st machine will be delayed.

10. The Contract stipulates for the Sellers to pay penalty in case of delay in delivery.

11. Five days ago I sent my passport to obtain a visa for a business trip to England.

Exercise 5. In what situations would you say the following?

1. What are we supposed to do now?

2. We apologize for the inconvenience caused.

3. Unfortunately, shipment of the 1^st machine will be delayed.

4. I'm afraid you can get the spares a bit behind schedules.

5. I'm sorry but I have to do away and won't be able to manage Friday afternoon.

6. He makes his apologize to Mr Hammond.

7. I look forward to seeing you.

8. I'd like to place another order for spare parts.

9. We'll take steps right away to be able to carry out your order in the time required.

10. You didn't send us three passport-size photographs.

Exercise 6. Make up dialogues using the following words and phrases:

1. to have an appointment; unfortunately; to make apologies; to pass on to somebody; to manage; instead; to expect.

2. to put through; go ahead; to place an order; spare parts; to supply; to require; to make a delivery; price; to depend on; quantity; to confirm the deal; to enclose; signature; to carry out.

3. go ahead; is anything the matter?; to ship; a lot; behind schedule; to deliver; to manage; a couple.

4. unfortunately; shipment; to delay; breakdown; stipulate; to pay penalty; circumstances; to apologize; inconvenience caused.

5. to obtain a visa; business trip; to make inquiries; to complete application form; to have the pictures taken; clear days; to issue a visa; in your case; at least; you are very kind.

6. to be on strike; equipment; to order; loading; to suppose; to find out; chance; to contact; meanwhile.

Exercise 7. Speak on the following situations:

1. Phone Mr Slow and tell him that you are unable to keep the appointment and give your reason.

2. Make a call to a company to place an order for spare parts. Discuss the date of delivery and the price. The company promises to carry out your order in no time.

3. Call Mr Roger about the progress of your order. Express your attitude to the news that the shipment of the first lot will be delayed.

4. Phone the Consular Department inquiring about the delay in issuing visas for a group of Russian students.