\"They're talking about retaining a system that could create a whole new realm of state secrets, without challenging the status quo,\" said Mike German, a former FBI counterterrorism agent now a policy expert at the American Civil Liberties Union. \"This memo has very little detail. . . that could raise concerns.\"
Obama's memo directs his national security adviser, Gen. James L. Jones, to consult with \"relevant executive departments and agencies\" and make recommendations on specific issues relating to classification.
\"The Obama Administration is committed to operating with an unprecedented level of transparency,\" White House spokesman Nicholas Shapiro said when asked about experts' concerns. 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