Local officials reply that their first responsibility during the recession has been to hang on to New York's economic base in financial services.

An official of the centers replied that people became attached to their pets.

To his surprise, the Chinese official replied in good English.

"That is not my point, most excellent General," the southern official replied, ignoring the insult.

The official did not reply to the question.

"You have the name of your company on the truck," he said the Chinese official replied.

"It's a rundown section that has not kept up with the times," replied the official.

"Your friend is easy to describe," replied the official.

"I know nothing of this," the cadaverous official replied impatiently.

"Because you cannot negotiate when a pistol is held at your head," the British official replied.