Tobacco Documents Online

F I PHILIP MORRIS I N~C~OR.PO~R~A.T E~U ~ 100 PARK AVENUE.,NEW~YORK. N~.Y., 10017 .TO9EPHF. CIILL_XA.7, $RD CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD February 27, 1970 F I I L I- I- I- L i Mr. William B. Lewis, Chairman of the Board American Cancer Society 219 East 42nd Street New York, New York 10017 Dear Mr. Lewis: On February 5, Drs. Oscar Auerbach and E, Cuyler Hammond presented to the press at a special meeting held in conjunctionwith the meeting of the American Cancer Society Board of Directors the findings of their study on "The Effects of Cigarette Smoking Upon Dogs." The Society at that time issue&a "Backgrounder" press release interpreting the results of the experiment as a significant achievement representing the first time that scientists have produced lung cancer in a large experimental animal as a: result' of heavy smoking. The Society's release further claimed that these findings should have a significant impact on the smoking of cigarettes and williprobably lead to a reassessment of advertising claims and! policies of the cigarette industry. The report and these interpretive comments have been given wid'e publicity. As you may know, there have been, previous studies with cigarette smoke in which the initial'report has ctaimed1hat lung cancer-resembling lung cancer in humans-was induced in experimental animals. These were proved either wrong or of little significance after the results were subjected to rigorous scientific examination. Other developments in connectioni with smoking and health have sometimes been announced under impressive auspices-such as a major university-and, after evaluation, have been found to disappoint their sponsors. Since the American Cancer Society asserts that the present study is of considerable import to smokers, I believe that the industry is entitled to have a full understanding of the nature and significance of the findings as quickly as possible. In the interest of accomplishing this aim; I request that the Society permit a thorough evaluation of the experiment and its results by a panel of independent scientists with wide experience in areas relevant to the data. I suggest the following procedure: Whem the American Cancer Societynotilies me that they and the investigators have agreed to permit access to the relevant materials and data, I will nominate as reviewers several well know scientists highly qualifi& in the fields of experimental work, tumorpathology, and lung diseases. I believe these scientists will be recognized by the Society and by their colleagues as men~of outstanding competence and! integri'ty. If the Societ'y should, for good reason, reject any of the men whose names I offer, I would appoint a subst'it'ute. The tobacco industry will, of course, bear all costs in connection with this review. I look forward'to an early favorable response from you so that this work may commence at'the earliest possible date. -1' Joseph F. Cullman, 3rd Yours very truly, The Tobacco Institute, Inc. Chairman of the Executive Committee