L: Since you've insisted on wooden cases for outer packing, we've passed on your proposals to our manufacturers.
S: What's the answer, then?
李：既然你們堅持要用木箱做外包裝，我們已把你們的意見轉告我們工廠了。
史：他們怎么答復？
L: They said they could easily pack the shirts in wooden cases, only this would cost more.
S: And your opinion, Mr. Li?
李：他們說木箱包裝很容易辦到，不過成本就得高一些。
史：那么，李先生，你的意見呢？
L: It's all up to you, Mr. Smith. But we would think cardboard cartons good enough for such lightweight articles as shirts.
S: You're probably right. But they are to be transshipped on the way. Don't you think they might be spoiled by dampness or rain?
李；這就得由你決定煙，史密斯先生。但我們認為象襯衫這類輕貨，硬紙板箱是夠好的了。
史：也許你說的對。但這批貨中途要轉運，你認為貨物可能會受潮或被雨淋濕嗎？
L: Don't worry about that, Mr. Smith. Every carton is lined with waterproof material. And to make them strong enough to stand rough handling, we use metal angles at each corner.
S: Well, Mr. Li. I'd rather play safe. Cartons are easier cut open, and there's the risk of pilferage to be taken into account.
李：史密斯先生，這一點你甭擔心。每個紙板箱都襯防水材料。另外，每個箱角都用金屬片加固，可以使它經得住碰撞。
史：哦，李先生，我寧愿穩當一些。紙板箱比較容易割破，還得把被偷盜的風險考慮進去。
L: On the other hand tampering with cartons can be easily detected. That would discourage people from trying their hand on such packing.
S: But still I'm afraid that in case of damage or pilferage, the insurance company might refuse indemnification on the grounds of improper packing. I mean, if the packing is considered unsuitable for sea voyage, the insurance company will not be responsible for compensation.
李：從另一方面講，撬破紙板箱很容易被人發現。這就使人對這種包裝不敢輕舉妄動。
史：但我仍然擔心萬一發生損壞或偷盜，保險公司可能會以包裝不當為理由拒絕賠償。我是說，如果保險公司認為包裝不適合海運要求，他們可以不負責賠償。
L: You may take it from me that cartons are quite seaworthy. They are extensively used for such articles in international trade, and insurance companies can have no occasion to refuse indemnification on such grounds.
S: Well, Mr. Li, if you could guarantee that, we'd be quite willing to accept cartons.
李：你盡管相信我好了，紙板箱是適合海運的。國際貿易中廣泛使用硬紙板箱包裝這類商品，保險公司根本不可能以這個為理由來拒絕賠償。
史：好吧，李先生，如果你能擔保這一點的話，我是非常愿意接受紙板箱的。
L: Well, look, Mr. Smith, don't you think you'd better take this up with your insurance agent? The most we can do is to assure you that the packing will be seaworthy, but we can't commit ourselves to anything beyond that.
S: Perhaps I'm asking too much. I merely wish to be on the safe side.
李：嗯，這樣吧，史密斯先生，你最好把這個問題向你們保險公司提出來。我們所能作到的是保證包裝將適合海運。但是超越這以外的任何事情，我們不能承擔責任。
史：可能我的要求太過分了。我只是想辦事要穩當一些。
L: Well, MR. Smith, it's perfectly all right for you to do so .But wooden cases will cost a lot more, of course, My advice is to cable home and see what they say.
S: I guess you're right. I'll do so right away. It may take a couple of days, Mr. Li.
L: That'll be al right. Let us know as soon as you hear from your home office.
李：哦，史密斯先生，你提出這個問題是完全可以的。不過用木箱成本就高多了。我建議你打電報回去，征求一下他們的意見。
史：我看也是，馬上就這么辦。李先生，這可能要花好幾天時間啊。
李：不要緊的。一得到你們總公司的答復，馬上就告訴我們。
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