North Korea may have its first ever law firm (see [2004] Gazette, 16 September 6), but what it doesn't have yet is a decent telephone system. Contacting the firm took a Gazette reporter many gruelling attempts, hampered at every turn by determinedly unhelpful switchboard operators, a constant beep beep noise cutting out all other sound every two seconds, and a language barrier more impenetrable than a high security British institution on terror alert - with two obvious exceptions. But those who like a happy ending will be pleased to learn that the hard work, patience and sore ear of our reporter were duly rewarded with a surprisingly crackle-free return telephone call from the firm's founder, British national Michael Hay, on press day. Where was he calling from? Scotland, of course.