the Defense Department to study military options in rela- tion to Nicaragua. Is this a fitting role for a permanent member of the Security Council? 66. On 30 January 1982 the United States vetoed a loan in the Inter-American Bank intended for co-operatives in Nicaragua. On 23 February Patrick Leahy, a member of the United States Senate Intelligence Committee, denounced United States plans to carry out covert opera- tions in Nicaragua. On 10 March The Washington Post published an article in which it reported on a United States plan of covert action against Nicaragua. The Cen- tral Intelligence Agency (CIA) received $19 million to fund a SOO-man paramilitary force that would “attempt to destroy vital Nicaraguan targets such as power plants and bridges”, On 2 September John Buchanan, a retired marine lieutenant-colonel, testifying before the Sub- Committee on Inter-American Affairs of the House For- eign Affairs Committee, stated: “Speaking generally, I am here to criticize the pres- ent Administration’s policy towards Central America. It is a misguided policy, and if it is not soon reversed the people of this land and the rest of the continent will suffer for decades from its grave consequences.” 67. Not satisfied with its own efforts, the Reagan Administration has sought to co-opt other Governments in the region in its fiendish campaigns against Nicaragua. Under the very distinguished patronage of the United States Government, the Honduran army has had a phe- nomenal increase in its military capacity over the past three years, High-ranking United States officials have been unabashedly advertising Honduras as a stalking- horse and a hit-squad in the region. 68. Since July 1979 the number of Honduran troops has increased from 14,000 to 22,000; military airstrips from 5 to 10; fighter planes from 33 to 38; transport 
**Analysis**
This text appears to be a critique of the United States' foreign policy towards Nicaragua, specifically highlighting the military actions and covert operations undertaken by the US against Nicaragua. The text also mentions the increase in military capacity of the Honduran army, which is being used by the US as a proxy force. Given the focus on military actions and foreign policy, it seems likely that the text is related to international relations or security.

**Category**
International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief