Wei:We regret to tell you that the quantityof the goods you sent us is not in conformity with the quantity specified in the
contract.
Cobb: You don’t say!
Wei:As soon as the shipment arrived at our port we had it re-inspected. To our entire disappointment, s compared with the total weight of 2,000 metric tons stipulated in the contract, we found a short-weight of 45 metric tons.
Cobb:That’s really very strange. 45 metric tons is no small quantity and can’t get lost on route. Where can these 45 tons have gone?
Wei: Our clients expressed their dissatisfaction. They strongly demand an explanation and that you compensate for the loss.
Copbb:I’d like to point out that the shipment was weighed before shipment. I’m afraid we cannot entertain your claim as it has nothing to do with us.
Wei: But the goods were found to be 45 metric tons short. As the goods were sold on CIF terms, you must be held responsible for the shortage.
Cobb:Have you any evidence?
Wei: Undoubtedly. Here’s a survey report issued by the Shanghai Commodity inspection Bureau. It verifies the short weight of 45 metric tons. And the report further testifies that the short weight is caused by improper packing. 24 bags were broken during transportation and contents got irretrievably lost.
Cobb:Well, we have every reason to reppect the findings of your Shanghai Commodity Inspection bureau. In view of our friendly relationship, we are prepared to meet your cloaim for the 45 metric tons short weight.
Wei:Thank you. Do I understand that the inspection fee is also included?
Cobb:Yes, also the inspcction fee.
NEW WORDS
regret 遺憾 short 短的，短缺的
conformity 一致，相符 responsible 有責任的，承擔責任的
entire 全部的 shortage 短缺
disappointment 失望 evidence 證明
short-weitht 短重 undoubtedly 毫無疑問
strange 奇怪的 verify 證明，證實
route 道路 testify 證明，作證
express 表達 improper 不適當的
dissatisfaction 不滿 content 內容，內含物
strongly 強烈地 irretrievably 不可挽回的
loss 損失 fee 費用
