Mr Artov: She conducted the Soviet-Finnish armistice in 1944.
Mr Briggs: We, in the States, too, have a couple of ladies occupying high posts in the State Department. I’m afraid they are not so prominent as Mrs Kollontay.
Mr Artov: If I am not mistaken, Mrs Lewis was US ambassador in Italy. Where is she now?
Mr Briggs: She has retired already.
Mr Artov: Since when?
Mr Briggs: Oh, years ago. The American permanent delegation to the UN is headed by a lady now.
Mr Artov: Mrs K.?
Mr Briggs: Yes, do you know her?
Mr Artov: Not personally. She seems to be very active, doesn’t she?
Mr Briggs: I think the State Department makes her that active. She is a well-educated person, though. She is an official who tries to do her best to carry out orders she gets from above.
Mr Artov: I should think so. One of the American newspapers called her “a militant lady”.
Mr Briggs: Our press writes a lot about her. The other day I read an article in the “Readers’ Digest” where she is considered to be “undiplomatic ambassador of the USA”.
Mr Artov: Not very complimentary. A diplomat should be diplomatic, at least to justify the name.
Mr Briggs: The break is over, let’s go to the Assembly Hall.
Mr Artov: Off we go, Briggs.
EXERCISES
I. Hold a class discussion on the diplomatic aspect of the activity of the United Nations.
II. State the arguments (if any) for and against the employment of women as professional diplomats.
III. Summarize the conversation of the two diplomats in a talks of 5-minutes duration.
1. Invitation to a Reception
Operator: Foreign Office. Good morning. Can I help you?
Mr Orlov: I’d like to speak to Mr James Marsh, please. I think it’s extension forty-seven.
Operator: Who’s calling, please?
Mr Orlov: Mr Orlov.
Operator: Will you hold the line, please?
Mr Orlov: Yes, thank you.
Operator: You are through now, Mr Orlov.
Mr Marsh: Marsh speaking.
Mr Orlov: Good morning, Mr Marsh. Orlov calling.
Mr Marsh: Good morning. How have you been?
Mr Orlov: Very well, thank you. And I hope you are well too.
Mr Marsh: Yes, I’m fine, thank you.
Mr Orlov: I’m calling to invite you and your wife to the reception to be held on the occasion of our great national holiday, the 62nd Anniversary of the Great October Revolution. It will take place on November 7, at 6 p.m.
Mr Marsh: Thank you very much. I’m delighted to accept your invitation.
Mr Orlov: Good. I’ll get the invitation card in the mail late this afternoon then. I’m looking forward to seeing you. Good-bye.
