US Spy Chief's 12-Course Meal In North Korea

When the US spy chief made a secret visit to North Korea last year, he was first given a 12-course banquet and then told by his hosts that his security could not be guaranteed.

The details on the trip came from James Clapper himself, who went to the reclusive nation last November to bring home two jailed Americans.

He said that after his arrival in Pyongyang, a North Korean four-star general hosted what Mr Clapper called a "marvellous" 12-course meal at a restaurant above a bowling alley.

The following day, Mr Clapper said, a representative of the State Security Ministry came to his guest house and told him the government no longer considered him a presidential envoy and could not guarantee his security and that of his party.

Mr Clapper, the director of National Intelligence, gave the details during a forum on Monday at the Council on Foreign Relations.

He said they packed their bags and were taken to a room at a Pyongyang hotel where American prisoners Kenneth Bae and Matthew Miller, still dressed in prison uniforms, were waiting.

Also present was a delegation of Korean officials, led by state prosecutors, who read out a denunciation of the prisoners and then walked out.

The freed Americans changed clothes, and the party headed for the airport for a flight home.

Mr Bae and Mr Miller returned to a warm welcome in the United States on 8 November.