American Notes WASHINGTON

Covert operations are supposed to be secret. But last week, word that George Bush had authorized a $3 million covert plan to topple Panamanian strongman Manuel Antonio Noriega leaked out before the operation even got under way. The Los Angeles Times reported that Bush had authorized the CIA to recruit members of the Panamanian Defense Forces for an anti-Noriega revolt. In a change of policy, the Bush plan reportedly authorizes a coup even if Noriega is accidentally killed. Asked about the report, Bush said, "It wouldn't be covert if I even referred to it."