Tobacco Documents Online

._,,,,~ -. . ..~, ....,-.~ . ~~~~TIQN PA~ER 1. Medical Controversy We acknowledge the fact that there is a continuing smoking and health controversy but we do not accept as proven that there is a causal relationship between smoking and various diseases (such as lung cancer, heart diseases, bronchitis, etc). The claimed relationship is primarily based on epidemiological or statistical associations. These statistical or epidemiological associations alone cannot establish a cause and effect relation- ship between smoking and disease. Also it has become easier for some to indict smoking as the primary source of today's medical problems than to confront the data which suggest other explanations. i In our view the issue of causation remain controversial and unresolved. We advocate the need for further research into' the causes of those diseases with which smoking has been as- soc.iated and into the nature of any relationship between smoking and such diseases. • To be effective, it is desirable that the tobacco industry as a whole must be seen to be r-esponsible and, within our field, authoritative. Moreover, we believe it is better to speak as an industry with one voice on such matters and that this can often best be accomplished through national associations of manufacturers. In this connection, be believe it important

~OS IT Z~~'"pAP ~R~ ~...~... ~ ~,~ . that the industry assure that all appropriate members are kept advised of pertinent scientific, political, social and other developments. 2. Social Awareness, Responsibility and the Social Acceptability of Smoking Because there is general sensitivity in respect of our products per se, we should at all times be particularly vigilant in ensuring that we remain beyond reproach concerning the ordinary duties and obligations we owe both our consumers and our workers. Whilst the opponents of smoking use emotional arguments rather than scientific facts in their attempts to make smoking socially unacceptable, we-must ensure that we never knowingly mislead our consumers who must believe that as manufacturers at all times we are acting responsibly and have concern for their interests. We should state quite properly and responsibly that view of the smoking and health controversey that recognizes that the causa- tion issue remains controversial and unresolved. We take the view that to date there is no persuasive scientific evidence to support the contention that the non-smoker is harmed by the tobacco smoke of others. However, it is our position that both smokers and non-smokers should be considerate of each other. 3. Disclosure of 7nformation ~ 0 ~ We should influence as far as proper medical and official p N opinion against incautious imposition of constraints and any Ln Z unnecessary restrictions on smoking. To do this it may be '' necessary to talk to medical authorities and Government agencies. 4

.2C3MT3`"Mr ~-...,r-._... .r.-._._.__ Our legitimate objectives must include protection of the in- terests of our consumers. Where the Industry is sponsoring health research it should, as appropriate, keep others, including members of the industry in other countries, informed. An Industry in one country might, when appropriate, make known the research in other countries. 4. The Role of Government in a Free Society The Industry believes that smokers are well aware of the claimed health effects of smoking. Information is available to the public from a variety of sources. The traditional role of Govern- ment in a free society with reference to legal products is to inform people, to give them the facts or to see that they are N given the facts, and to leave the exercise of free choice to Ln ~ the individual. . O N ~ GJ1 5. Warning Clauses ~ 3 If Governments propose wording implying or stating smoking causes certain diseases, Companies must strenuously resist with all means at their disposal. 6. League Tables So far there is no valid scientific basis for combining measure- ments of different chemical compounds in the smoke of an in- dividual cigarette brand into a single index number as to repre- sent a measure of implied hazard relative to other brands. Such aggregation implies unjustifiable judgments of the strength of

4 . association between chemical compounds and diseases. Such arbitrary indices of hazard cannot receive any serious scientific support and their introduction should be resisted wherever possible. and Nicotine Limits 7, iiar.imum"Tar" The imposition,of maximum"tar"and nicotine yields, as well as attempts by Governments to tax high"tar products differentially to those with lower deliveries, should be resisted. 8. Advertising It is the Industry view that there is no valid evidence to support the contention that advertising increases total con- sumption of cigarettes. Advertising may affect the sales distribution among individual companies or specific brands. In attempting to obtain the best possible shares of the market cigarette manufacturers have used competitive advertising to inform the consumer of product availability, modifications and innovations. In view of the existence of the medical controversy, in any advertising, claims, express or implied, that one cigarette is healthier or less harmful than another should be avoided. We should resist restrictions on media advertising; however, in the area of voluntary agreements with Governments we should recognize that there is a limit beyond which the Industry cannot make further concessions.

O.POS ITzQri--°APER 5 . w-1 t 9. Declaration of Constituents We should resist any requirements to put figures for the yields of smoke constituents or "tar"groups on packs or in advertising. 10. Research Research plays a key role in our reaction.to the attacks on smoking. It is incumbent on a responsible manufacturer to understand the allegations against smoking products, and to acquire on a continuing basis as much knowledge as possible of his products. it is our policy to further support work on the scientific smoking and health controversy. The results of such scientific investigations must be made available to the public by appro- priate means. 11. Product Liability We should keep aware of, examine carefully and take appropriate action when advisable with respect to the laws and proposed changes in the laws concerning product liability. 12. Cigarette Manufacturers' Associations We accept the need of national cigarette manufacturers' associa- tions and give them full support. We believe that the Industry's activities in the smoking and health field should be carried out by or through the Associations, whenever this is appropriate.