Dear Ronald F. Guilmette
I've read on the Ripe.Net site that RIPE is formally constituted as a formal "association" under Dutch law.
I think there is a small misunderstanding. RIPE is not formally constituted. It is the RIPE NCC which is, and it is an association under Dutch law, as you say above.
Does there exist a similar sort of formal document which has been filed by RIPE, on its own behalf, with Dutch authorities?
No, but you can find the RIPE NCC's Articles of Association at https://www.ripe.net/publications/docs/ripe-602
Lastly, I must ask the question: What is RIPE NCC, exactly? Is it a formal organ which is itself chartered strictly
Yes, it is a membership organisation, registered as an Association in The Netherlands.
and only under the auspices and authority of RIPE itself?
RIPE does not have "authority" over RIPE NCC, it is the members. In many cases the RIPE community and the RIPE NCC membership overlap, but not always. I hope this helps. Best regards, Janos
Regards, rfg