What Did That ‘Thanks’ Mean? : N. Korean politeness has diplomats looking for hidden motives

Any time a regime as isolated and suspicious as North Korea’s says something that departs from the dogmatic norm, attention should be paid. What exactly did Pyongyang mean this week when it praised the United States for giving $2 million to the U.N. World Food Program for famine relief in North Korea?

It could be, of course, that North Korea was simply observing conventional courtesies. But courtesy isn’t something Pyongyang is famous for, least of all toward the United States, an unforgiven enemy since it led the international military effort 46 years ago that turned back the Communist north’s effort to conquer South Korea. Could there be a hidden motive behind this gratitude?

Yes, and it’s not all that hidden. North Korea knows that any sign of a thaw in its relations with Washington sets off nervous tremors in Seoul. Indeed, earlier this week Anthony Lake, President Clinton’s national security advisor, visited South Korea to give assurances that the modest food aid is not the cover for any secret deal. North Korea, which has had scant success in enlisting help from abroad, says the U.S. gesture will serve to improve overall bilateral ties. That would be welcome, but only actions can provide the proof of a better relationship.

It goes without saying that no improvement can come at the expense of the American alliance with Seoul. South Korea is everything North Korea is not: a vigorous, open and prosperous society whose democracy under President Kim Young Sam is becoming increasingly institutionalized. The U.S. has powerful economic, political and strategic reasons for keeping its relations with South Korea close and collegial. North Korea’s driving interest, until it demonstrates otherwise by deeds, lies in trying to weaken those ties. Neither Pyongyang nor Seoul should be left with any illusion that this tactic can succeed.