There's a word that describes the transfer of wealth from one country to another to achieve a desireable political outcome. It's called tribute. On a personal level it's called bribery.

It could have been the best option at the time, especially with nuclear weapons in the mix.

However it's also very convenient that those deciding to pay the tribute or bribe (government bigwigs) did not have to pay out of their own pockets. In fact they were able to skim a portion off for themselves.