Text 2

Task 10. a) Read and translate the text.

(from “Airport” by A.Hailey)

U.S. Customs inspector Harry Standish was trying to clear up a tiresome problem. Most of the passengers, who arrived aboard a Scandinavian airline DC-8 from Copenhagen, had cleared customs and had left. Only this well-dressed American woman posed a problem insisting that all she had bought in Europe was some perfume, costume jewelry, and shoes. The total declared value was ninety dollars – ten dollars less than the free exemption she was allowed.

“Madam”, he said quietly to the woman, whose several suitcases were spread open on the Customs inspection table between them, “are you quite sure you don’t wish to change your story?”

She snapped back, “I suppose you’re suggesting I should lie, when I’ve already told the truth. Really! – you people are so officious, so disbelieving.”

Harry Standish ignored the second remark, as customs officers were trained to ignore the many insults they received, and answered politely, “I’m not suggesting anything, madam. I merely asked if you wished to amend your statement about these items – the dresses, the sweaters, and the fur coat.”

The woman, whose American passport showed that she was Mrs. Harriet Du Barry Mossman, had just returned from a month in England, France, and Denmark, replied acidly, “No, I don’t. Furthermore, when my husband’s lawyer hears of that interrogation …”

“Yes, madam”, Harry Standish said. “In this case, I wonder if you would mind signing this form. If you like, I’ll explain it to you.”

“Why should I sign anything”, Mrs. Mossman demanded.

“To make things easier for yourself, madam. We’re merely asking you to confirm in writing what you’ve already told us. You say the dresses were purchased …”

“How many times must I tell you? They were bought in Chicago and New York before I left for Europe; so were the sweaters. The coat was a gift – purchased in the United States. I received it six month ago.”

Why, Harry Standish wondered, did people do it? All the statements just made, he knew with certainty, were lies.

To begin with, the dresses – six, all of good quality – had had their labels removed. No one did that innocently, women were usually proud of the labels in quality clothes. More to the point, the workmanship of the dresses was unmistakably French; so was the styling of the fur coat – though a Saks Fifth Avenue label had been sewn unskillfully in the coat lining. What people like Mrs. Mossman failed to realize was that a trained customs man didn’t need to see labels to know where garments originated. Cutting, stitching – even the way a zipper was put in – were like familiar handwriting, and equally distinctive. All this, and much else, customs officers learned as part of their training.

Mrs. Mossman asked, “What will happen if I sign the form?”

“Then you may go, madam.”

“And take my things with me? All my things?”

“Yes.”

“Supposing, I refuse to sign?”

“Then we shall be obliged to detain you here while we continue the investigation.”

There was the briefest hesitation, then “Very well. You fill out the form, I’ll sign.”

“No, madam, you fill it out. Now, please describe the items, and alongside where you say they were obtained. Please give the name of the stores also from whom you received the fur coat as a gift.”

He waited while Mrs. Mossman completed the form and signed it. Commencing tomorrow, an investigation officer would begin checking out the statement Mrs. Mossman had just made. The garments would be requisitioned and taken to the stores where she claimed they were purchased.

Mrs. Mossman – though she didn’t know it yet – was in for a great deal of trouble, including some heavy duty to be paid, and also a stiff fine.

b) Make a glossary. Choose seven words to remember.

Task 11. Find the words and phrases in the text that describe Harry Standish and Mrs. Mossman.

Harry Standish	Mrs. Mossman
spoke quietly,	well-dressed,

Task 12. Answer the questions:

1. What was Mrs. Mossman carrying?

2. Why did she present a problem to the Customs?

3. Where did she come from?

4. What document was Mrs. Mossman asked to sign?

5. Why did she claim all the things were personal belongings?

6. How much is the duty free allowance in the US?

7. Why did Mrs. Mossman change the labels on the fur coat?

8. What information did she state in the form?

9. What trouble could the statement bring to her?

Task 13. Say what you can remember about:

1. Mrs. Mossman’s story about the things she brought in.

2. The tricks she used not to pay the duty.

3. The way customs officers are trained.

4. The code of behavior of customs officers.

Task 14. Discuss the following questions:

1. Why were Mrs. Mossman’s things detained?

2. Why do customs officers have to be good judges of character?

3. What do you think the rates of duty depend on?

4. Should the authorities introduce restrictions for imported goods? Why?