Meaning: The quote you provided is from the book "Criminal" by E. Howard Hunt. It is a part of the author's memoir, where he discusses his experiences as a CIA officer and his involvement in various covert operations. In this particular excerpt, Hunt is referring to recruiting a contract agent from Chile named Dave Phillips, who posed as a newspaper publisher in Santiago.

The quote sheds light on the clandestine nature of intelligence work and the use of cover identities to operate in foreign countries. It also hints at the skill and potential of Dave Phillips, who went on to have a successful career within the agency.

E. Howard Hunt was a prolific CIA officer who served in various capacities during his career. He is perhaps best known for his involvement in the Watergate scandal, where he was implicated in the break-in at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. However, Hunt's career was marked by numerous other covert operations and intelligence activities, and "Criminal" provides insights into this shadowy world.

The use of cover identities, or "legend" as it is known in intelligence jargon, is a fundamental aspect of espionage. Agents and operatives often assume false personas to conceal their true intentions and affiliations. In the case of Dave Phillips, his cover as a newspaper publisher in Santiago allowed him to operate in Chile under the guise of a legitimate profession while actually working for the CIA.

The mention of Phillips being "a young, very talented man" suggests that he possessed the skills and attributes necessary for success in the world of espionage. The fact that Hunt highlights Phillips' later career success within the agency indicates that he made a significant impact and rose through the ranks.

The quote also offers a glimpse into the global reach of intelligence operations. Hunt's reference to bringing up a contract agent from Chile underscores the international scope of the CIA's activities and the need for operatives with local knowledge and connections in various regions of the world.

Overall, the quote captures the intrigue and complexity of the intelligence world, where individuals like Dave Phillips play a crucial role in carrying out covert missions and gathering intelligence from foreign countries.

In summary, the quote from "Criminal" by E. Howard Hunt provides a brief but insightful glimpse into the world of espionage, highlighting the use of cover identities, the talent and potential of covert operatives, and the global reach of intelligence operations. It offers a tantalizing glimpse into the shadowy world of espionage and the individuals who inhabit it.