384 



invited to meet with these executives for consultation on ways and 

 means of dealing with the problem. 



"At this first meeting, it was agreed that the wisest course of ac- 

 tion would be for the industry to find out through objective re- 

 search what truth there was, if any, in the charges being made 

 against it. Mr. Hill stated it would be a serious public relations 

 mistake for the industry to make any move that could cause it to 

 be accused of disregard of people's health and under no cir- 

 cumstances could the industry afford to engage in direct con- 

 troversy with its detractors. With the acceptance of these prin- 

 ciples. Hill and Knowlton, Inc. was asked to recommend a program 

 to implement them. 



"After 2 weeks of intensive study of the problem, public relations 

 counsel developed a step-by-step program which was discussed at 

 a meeting with a small group of public relations representatives of 

 a number of tobacco companies. Valuable suggestions were made at 

 this meeting and the program was put into final shape and submit- 

 ted to the principals at another meeting the last week in December. 



"Taking into consideration court ruling inhibiting the industry 

 from ordinary trade association activities, the program rec- 

 ommended: 



"One, formation of an industry group to be known as the Tobacco 

 Industry Research Committee, dedicated to sponsoring and financ- 

 ing research into all phases of tobacco use and health. 



"Two, establishment of a Scientific Advisory Board, to be com- 

 posed of distinguished research scientists and educators, and a sci- 

 entific director to guide the research objectives. 



"Three, undertaking of continuous editorial research into rel- 

 evant scientific, statistical, and medical material, past and current, 

 for an effective information program. 



"Four, keeping the public informed regarding the committee's ac- 

 tivities. As a first step, the newspaper advertisement outlining the 

 industry's plans was proposed, copy for which was submitted. 



"The program and the public statement advertisement were ap- 

 proved. The agreed-upon approach was to sponsor genuinely objec- 

 tive research and to bring to public attention the fact that there is 

 now no conclusive proof that cigarette smoking is a cause of lung 

 cancer and other serious problems of human health." 



And I thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Waxman. Thank you, Mr. Bliley. Mr. Synar? 



Mr. Synar. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. 



Dr. Glenn, which law firms presently represent CTR, or do you 

 have in-house counsel? 



Mr. Glenn. Debevoise and Plimpton. 



Mr. Synar. So you have outside counsel? 



Mr. Glenn. Outside counsel. 



Mr. Synar. What are the duties of the counsel? 



Mr. Glenn. What are the duties of the counsel? 



Mr. Synar. Did you have inside or outside counsel? Let me ask 

 that general 



Mr. Glenn. We have outside counsel, Debevoise and Plimpton, 

 and their duties are to address any legal issues which effect CTR. 



Mr. Synar. Do you have in-house counsel? 



Mr. Glenn. No, sir. 



