[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2004, Book III)]
[November 18, 2004]
[Pages 3008-3009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Memorandum on Review of Organizational Responsibility for the Conduct of 
Certain Operations
November 18, 2004

Memorandum for the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, the 
Attorney General, the Director of Central Intelligence

Subject: Review of Organizational Responsibility for the Conduct of 
Certain Operations

    The Final Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks 
Upon the United States recommended:
      Lead responsibility for directing and executing paramilitary 
        operations, whether clandestine or covert, should shift to the 
        Defense Department. There it should be consolidated with the 
        capabilities for training, direction, and execution of such 
        operations already being developed in the Special Operation 
        Command.
    The Secretary of Defense and the Director of Central Intelligence 
jointly shall review matters relating to this recommendation and submit 
to me within 90 days, through the Assistant to the President for 
National Security Affairs, their written advice on whether and to what 
extent implementation of the recommendation is in the interest of the 
United States and what changes to law, executive orders, other 
presidential guidance, or policies would be necessary to implement such 
advice. Their review should include, but not be limited to, 
consideration of similarities and differences in the missions, legal 
authorities, funding, and support infrastructures of the Department of 
Defense and the Central Intelligence Agency with respect to operations 
to which the recommendation refers. A copy of the report will be 
provided to

[[Page 3009]]

the Commission on the Intelligence Capabilities of the United States 
Regarding Weapons of Mass Destruction. The Commission will advise me on 
the report, particularly with respect to any matters concerning 
countering the threat posed by weapons of mass destruction.
    In the course of their review, they shall obtain as necessary legal 
advice from the Attorney General and advice concerning potential effects 
on U.S. foreign relations from the Secretary of State.

                                                          George W. Bush

Note: This memorandum was released by the Office of the Press Secretary 
on November 23.