|
RECENT REPORTS on experiments with mice have given wide publicity to a
theory that cigarette smoking is in some way linked with lung cancer in
human beings.
Although conducted by doctors of professional standing, these
experiments are not regarded as conclusive in the field of cancer
research. However, we do not believe that any serious medical research,
even though its results are inconclusive should be disregarded or
lightly dismissed.
At
the same time, we feel it is in the public interest to call attention to
the fact that eminent doctors and research scientists have publicly
questioned the claimed significance of these experiments.
Distinguished authorities point out:
-
That
medical research of recent years indicates many possible causes of
lung cancer.
-
That
there is no agreement among the authorities regarding what the cause
is.
-
That
there is no proof that cigarette smoking is one of the causes.
-
That
statistics purporting to link cigarette smoking with the disease could
apply with equal force to any one of many other aspects of modern
life. Indeed the validity of the statistics themselves is questioned
by numerous scientists.
We
accept an interest in people's heath as a basic responsibility,
paramount to every other consideration in our business.
We
believe the products we make are not injurious to health.
We
always have and always will cooperate closely with those whose task it
is to safeguard the public health. For more than 300 years tobacco
has given solace, relaxation, and enjoyment to mankind. At one time or
another during those years critics have held it responsible for
practically every disease of the human body. One by one these charges
have been abandoned for lace of evidence.
Regardless for the record of the past, the fact that cigarette
smoking today should even be suspected as a cause of a serious disease
is a matter of deep concern to us.
Many
people have asked us what we are doing too meet the public's concern
aroused by the recent reports. Here is the answer:
-
We are
pledging aid and assistance to the research effort into all phases of
tobacco use and health. This joint financial aid will of course be in
addition to what is already being contributed by individual companies.
-
For this
purpose we are establishing a joint industry group consisting
initially of the undersigned. This group will be known as TOBACCO
INDUSTRY RESEARCH COMMITTEE.
-
In
charge of the research activities of the Committee will be a scientist
of unimpeachable integrity and national repute. IN addition there will
be an Advisory Board of scientists disinterested in the cigarette
industry. A group of distinguished men from medicine, science, and
education will be invited to serve on this Board. These scientists
will advise the Committee on its research activities.
This
statement is being issued because we believe the people are entitled to
know where we stand on this matter and what we intend to do about it.
THE AMERICAN TOBACCO COMPANY, INC.
Paul M, Hahn, President
BURLEY TOBACCO GROWERS COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
John W. Jones, President
PHILLIP MORRIS & CO. LTD., INC.
O. Parker McComas, President
BENSON & HEDGES
Joseph F. Cullman, Jr., President
LARUS & BROTHER COMPANY, INC.
W. T. Reed, Jr., President
R. J. REYNOLDS TOBACCO COMPANY
E. A. Darr, President
BRIGHT BELT WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATION
F. S. Royster, President
P. LORILLARD COMPANY
Herbert A. Kent, Chairman
STEPHANO BROTHERS, INC.
C. S. Stephano, D'Sc., Director of Research
BROWN & WILLIAMSON TOBACCO CORPORATION
Timothy V. Hartnett, President
MARLYAND TOBACCO GROWERS ASSOCIATION
Samuel C. Linton, General Manager
TOBACCO ASSOCIATES, INC.
(An organization of free-owned tobacco growers)
J. B. Hutson, President.
BURLEY AUCTION WAREHOUSE ASSOCIATION
Albert Clay, President
UNITED STATES TOBACCO COMPANY
J. W. Peterson, President
|