137 



What we are doing in these hearings, if taken to its possible con- 

 clusion, could result in the erosion of freedom for some 50 million 

 Americans who exercise their personal choice and who accept the 

 responsibility of smoking cigarettes. Whether one would think it is 

 the most disdainful practice in the universe and some people I be- 

 lieve would believe that smokers would represent that description, 

 we in Congress need to be very careful about removing that or any 

 freedom. 



We have made mistakes before this august body, the most nota- 

 ble of this sort probably being prohibition. And that obviously was 

 done with the great deal of zeal and, unfortunately, without a great 

 deal of thought, obviously. 



With that, I would urge all of us and all present to consider the 

 issues being raised fairly and with an open mind and with a close 

 eye on the possibility of diminishing unnecessarily the freedom that 

 all of us cherish and hold so dear. 



And I yield back, Mr. Chairman. 



Mr. Waxman. Thank you very much. 



Mr. Greenwood. 



Mr. Greenwood. No statement. 



Mr. Waxman. Mr. Sandefur, I do want to acknowledge the pres- 

 ence of your representative. Congressman Sanford Bishop, who is 

 not only your plant's representative, but I think your own personal 

 representative in the Congress, and we are delighted to have him 

 here. And I want to extend to you the greetings of Congressman 

 Roy Rowland who is a very important member of this subcommit- 

 tee. 



We have at the table in front of you the rules of the committee 

 in the blue and white pamphlets, and they will inform you the lim- 

 its on the power of this subcommittee and the extent of your rights 

 during your appearance today. 



Do you desire to be represented by counsel or advised by counsel 

 during your appearance here today. 



Mr. Sandefur. Yes, I do. 



Mr. Waxman. Do you or those you have asked to accompany you 

 object to appearing before the subcommittee under oath? 



Mr. Sandefur. No, sir. 



Mr. Waxman. If you have no objection to appearing under oath, 

 I would like to ask you or anybody else who is going to give testi- 

 mony to rise and raise your right hand. 



Mr. Sandefur. Yes, sir. 



Mr. Waxman. Do you swear that the testimony you are about to 

 give is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth? 



Mr. Sandefur. I do. 



Mr. Waxman. Please consider yourself to be under oath. 



[Witness sworn.] 



Mr. Waxman. Identify yourself for the record and include the 

 names of those who are accompanying you. 



Mr. Sandefur. My name is Tommy Sandefur. I am chairman 

 and chief executive officer of Brown & Williamson Tobacco Com- 

 pany. Accompanying me is Judge Bell and Gordon Smith, law part- 

 ner of Judge Bell. 



Mr. Waxman. Before you begin, I just noticed that Congressman 

 Ralph Hall has entered the room and I do want to give him a 



