Schmidt No doubt on the part of the same nameless person who arranged for the Chancellor to give a press conference on tax-reform the day before we decided what the policy was.

Wehner On the other hand we've launched a major new policy initiative. Or so I read in the press.

Wilke A leak, I'm afraid.

Wehner A pilgrimage to find the New Middle.

Schmidt The New Middle? What happened to the old one? Which is where Herbert and I have been struggling to keep this party for the last ten years.

Wilke I believe the idea originated with the Press Office. As I understand it, the intention is to provide some sort of counterpoise to the left.

Wehner We shouldn't need a counterpoise if Number One hadn't got them worked up by all his talk about daring more democracy.

Schmidt What is happening to this government? We casually launch into wild schemes without any proper consultation. We take on new commitments without any idea how they're going to be funded. When Horst Ehmke was running the Chancellor's office he used to co-ordinate this kind of thing.

Wehner The great man in his wisdom decided to dispense with Horst Ehmke's services.

Schmidt But Grabert's in charge here now! Why can't he doit?

Wilke Dr Grabert is away this week.

Guillaume In Siberia.

Schmidt Siberia?

Wilke On his way to Tokyo.

Schmidt A treaty with Japan?

Wilke A study of airline development.

Guillaume A freebie.

Schmidt Another Berliner, of course.

Wehner This government is falling apart in front of our eyes.

Schmidt Because Willy does nothing! Nothing, nothing, nothing!

Guillaume (with Brandt and Kretschmann) Nothing. It's true. I wait in the shadows at his back on provincial railway stations, willing him to speak, as if he were Pierre, five years old still and standing dumbstruck in the school nativity play. He gazes out over the expectant faces, and not a word. Not a gesture. Not a smile or a frown. His face is a mask. A mask with no one behind it. The people gaze at the effigy of their Chancellor. The effigy gazes back. His famous silence. But this time what it says is - nothing.

Schmidt (with Wehner, Wilke, and Guillaume) Where is he now? Not another feverish cold?

Wehner Or still brooding about his operation?

Schmidt Other people have medical problems. They manage not to let it affect their behaviour . . . What?

Guillaume I didn't speak.

Schmidt I'm perfectly prepared to subscribe to the general belief that Willy is God. What I find a little confusing, though, is not knowing which Person of the Trinity he's going to be from one moment to the next - God the Father or Christ crucified. Saving your presence, Herbert.

Wehner Our great leader's jibes have inured me to any insult to my beliefs.

Schmidt Most of them you never even heard when Horst Ehmke was around to control things.