Text « Airport Customs »
by A. Haily
"Madam", said U.S. Customs Inspector Harry Standish quietly to the naughty angular 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 you the truth".
Harry Standish ignored the second remark, as Customs officers were trained to ignore many insults they received and answered politely, "I'm not suggesting anything, madam. 1 merely asked if you wished to amend your statement about these items — the dresses, the sweaters and the fur coat.”
The American passport showed that she was Mrs. Harriet Du Barry Mossman. Harry Standish said: "I wonder if you'd mind signing this form. If you like, I'll explain it to you."
"Why should I sign anything?" Mrs. Harriet Du Barry Mossman demanded.
He answered patiently, "To make things easier for yourself, madam. We're merely asking you to confirm what you've already told us."
"Suppose I refuse to sign?"
"Then we hall be obliged to detain you here while we continue the investigation."
There was the brief hesitation, then, "Very well. You fill out the form,
I’ll sign."
"No, madam, you fill it out. Now here, 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."
"Madam," Inspector Standish said, "is there anything else you wish to declare?" It was Customs Bureau policy to give travellers the utmost opportunity to make voluntary declarations.
"In that case, Madam," Inspector Standish said, "Will you kindly open your handbag?"
For the first time the naughty woman betrayed uncertainty. "But surely purses are never inspected."
"Normally, they are not. But we do have the right." Mrs. Mossman was noticeably pale.
The Inspector instructed the young Customs officer beside him: "Inspect everything very carefully. Check the things in the bag and cases, the seams and hems of all the clothes. Make a list. You know what to do."
He was leaving when Mrs. Mossman called after him: "Officer!"
1. Answer the questions:
1. Where is Mrs. Du Barry now?
2. Why are her suitcases spread open?
3. What was Harry Standish?
4. How can you describe his behavior?
5. What form did she have to sign?
6. What are the rules of passing the Customs if your things are being inspected?
7. What was Customs Bureau policy?
8. What instructions did Harry Standish give to his younger colleague?