Tobacco Documents Online

Following his remarks, Mr. Cullman made this statement in response to a request that he comment on the cigarette and health controversy. In view of the very important nature of this subject and in fairness to all of our stockholders, I have prepared a brief statement on the subject generally as we see it at Philip Morris. Those of you interested in learning more of the tobacco industry's position on this subject might be interested in the Annual Report of the Tobacco Industry Research Committee. Grants from the Industry run into millions of dollars. We have, of course, followed this question with interest and concern for many years. The current comment is essentially a repeat of earlier published statistical studies and is subject to question by a number of reputable people in the scientific field. Scientists are giving increasing attention to air pollution, to the virus theory, to previous lung damage and to dietary, hereditary and environmental factors. This fact stands out -- people are living longer and are therefore more subject to diseases of old age and still 99% of heavy smokers never contract carcinoma of the lungs while many non-smokers do. As noted in the Annual Report, your company is a contributing member of the Tobacco Industry Research Committee. The TIRC and other institutes, organizations and associations around the world have invested vast sums in scientific research designed to determine the relationship, if any, between smoking and human health. So far, there is no clinical proof to support the theory that smoking causes carcinoma of the lung. There is evidence that smoking has pharmacological and psychological effects that are of real value +a v~ to smokers. '~ ~ ~ ' t.~ J ~

A general condemnation of cigarette smoking is neither justified nor constructive ... the real need is for further research and through the TIRC, the industry and Philip Morris will do their part. ;