(The group gathered in the room of the biologist and the historian, who is answering the phone.)
Maurice Morgan Hallo.
Voice Could I speak to Mrs Gray?
Maurice Morgan You've got the wrong number.
Voice Could I speak to Steve McQueen, please?
Maurice Morgan Sorry, Mr McQueen is out. Can I take a message?
Voice No, thank you. Can you tell me when Mr McQueen will be back?
Maurice Morgan He said he'd be back in an hour or so.
Cora Grant It's a pity I couldn't attend the Nature Protection Centre today.
Mona Doan You've missed a lot. Our biologist's speech was a real hit.
Cora Grant Why didn't you record it?
Mona Doan But I did. Would you like to listen to it?
Cora Grant Certainly I would.
The speech of the biologist "I raise my voice against powerful monopolies, against their destructive force. What have they done to the earth? They've turned our land into a desert of concrete and stone. Rivers that used to be so beautiful and full of fish are poisoned. Air that used to be so clean and fresh is polluted. What have they done to the skies, to the seas, to the oceans? They've created new machines, built roads and cities. The noise is maddening! They'll test their bombs till the world explodes into millions of little pieces. They've done a great deal of harm to Man and they are still doing so for profit and gain. If nobody stops them we'll face a nuclear war. Choose life before it's too late."
Cora Grant Actually, a lot of what our friend says makes sense. The threat of destruction still exists.
Russell Brundon We all come from different countries but the problems of peace and nature protection are everybody's concern. People ought to take measures to stop the arms race and fight against any threat to our environment.
Dulcie Dutchman People need to beautify the land instead of destroying it.
Cora Grant A lot depends on us.
Arthur Clarke Yes, but let's stop looking on the black side of things.
Pat Harris Have you noticed what wonderful weather we're having!
Mona Doan It's gorgeous!
Wesley West A perfect day for an outing somewhere in the forest.
Mona Doan That's true.
Pat Harris I wish I was on holiday now enjoying nature.
Bernard Berg Have you decided where to go for your summer holiday?
Mona Doan Well, nothing's definite as yet. Somewhere not too hot, though. I'd be happy to stay out of town, camping, hiking, fishing and canoeing.
Bernard Berg Somewhere out of the way?
Pat Harris Yes, the fewer holiday-makers the better. I don't enjoy crowds.
Arthur Clarke Neither do I.
Mona Doan Fancy sightseeing, sunbathing, mountain climbing, or simply just walking!
Maurice Morgan I can't afford a holiday this year. But if I could I'd travel light and in full comfort. Luxury facilities matter a lot to me.
Cora Grant The Baltic coast is a terrific place for such a holiday, isn't it?
Russell Brundon Yes, if the weather is fine.
Shirley Pearl Oh, I don't like these "ifs" and "buts"! If you break a mirror... if a knife falls... if two Fridays come together.
Tony Dakota What are you getting at?
Shirley Pearl The point is we're speaking of nature.
Tony Dakota So?
Shirley Pearl I hear there's nothing like the Russian countryside. What would you say to an outing this very Sunday?
Maurice Morgan We're all for it!
Bernard Berg So, where shall we go if the weather keeps fine?