October 5, 1995

Conversation with foreign policy workers and North Korean officials during my September 19-26 visit to Pyongyang and Kaesong made clear to me that the flood damage is genuine and that the amount of assistance requested by the U.N. is the minimum needed. North Korean officials expressed concern that the food problem "would get worse during November and December. They warmly welcomed foreign help, including American food aid, expressing the hope that the initial U. S. donation of $25,000 would be increased.

The frank attitude of officials and the willingness of the government to permit foreign relief workers to monitor distribution in the countryside reflects a new readiness on the part of the North Korean people for increased contact with the outside world. A greater and positive response from the U. S., Japan and other non-Communist countries is not only desirable in humanitarian terms but would help to set the stage for more constructive North Korean relations with the international community.

Selig Harrison