Meaning: The quote "We operate under the law. Covert action authorities are communicated in a memorandum of notification." by Cofer Black, a public servant, reflects the legal framework and process followed by government agencies when engaging in covert actions. Cofer Black, a former CIA official, is emphasizing the adherence to legal protocols and the requirement for explicit authorization before undertaking covert operations.

In the context of government operations, covert actions refer to clandestine activities conducted by intelligence agencies or military units to achieve specific objectives, such as gathering intelligence, influencing foreign governments, or conducting paramilitary operations. These activities are often carried out in secret and may involve sensitive or high-risk operations.

The statement underscores the significance of operating within the bounds of the law, even in the realm of covert actions. It highlights the necessity for a clear and formal communication of authorities through a memorandum of notification. This memorandum serves as a legal document that outlines the specific authorization and parameters for carrying out covert actions, ensuring that these activities are conducted in accordance with established legal and policy frameworks.

The mention of covert action authorities being communicated in a memorandum of notification indicates a procedural and transparent approach to authorizing and overseeing covert operations. This aligns with the principles of accountability and oversight in government activities, particularly in sensitive and potentially controversial areas such as covert actions. By formalizing the communication of authorities through a memorandum, there is a clear record of the authorization process, which can be subject to review and scrutiny as needed.

Cofer Black's emphasis on operating under the law reflects a commitment to upholding legal standards and ethical principles, even in the execution of covert actions. It reinforces the notion that government agencies must adhere to legal constraints and oversight mechanisms, even when operating in environments characterized by secrecy and discretion.

The quote also sheds light on the role of public servants in overseeing and implementing covert actions. As a public servant, Cofer Black underscores the responsibility of government officials to operate within legal boundaries and ensure that covert actions are conducted in a manner consistent with the law. This underscores the importance of upholding democratic values and the rule of law, even in the pursuit of national security objectives.

In summary, Cofer Black's quote encapsulates the imperative of conducting covert actions within a legal framework and emphasizes the formal communication of authorities through a memorandum of notification. It underscores the commitment to operating within the bounds of the law and the role of public servants in upholding legal standards while engaging in sensitive and clandestine activities. This approach aligns with the principles of accountability, transparency, and adherence to legal and ethical norms in government operations, particularly in the realm of covert actions.