In recent some western nations have cut back on foreign aid. Britain is one of them, the mantra being there are people in the UK who need the money.
Of course what many do not realise is the principle of there being no free lunch. For every £1 of aid given, the donore nation gets 10 times as much back in some form or another.
After world war two. America ramped up foreign aid for its neighbours. To stop communism entering the Americas and gain influence. Financial, military and otherwise. Even if some of the aid was siphoned off by corrupt leaders.
Paul Marino goes to an unnamed Lain American country run by a dictator and his cronies. They roll out the golden carpet for Marino, all so Marino will give them a good write up.
Marino goes away from his handlers to find people who are tortured or disappeared. Americans getting rich by paying bribes for construction contracts.
The US Embassy knows what is going on but feel they need to walk a tightrope.
A sense of realpolitik, the US embassy actually encourages Marino's investigations. Director William Conrad also makes a cameo as a sinister man.