THE Second Icosi Meeting Brillancourt, Lausanne 771111

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THE Second Icosi Meeting Brillancourt, Lausanne 771111 - 771112

Date: Nov 1977 (est.)
Length: 22 pages
1000208720-8741
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Abstract

In 1977, the major global tobacco companies came together and formed a group called the International Committee on Smoking Issues, or ICOSI, to address their common problems: declining social acceptability of smoking, allegations that secondhand smoke harmed non-smokers, medical research that pinpointed cigarettes as a cause of disease, etc.

The American tobacco companies were apparently a leader in

The position papers that emerged from ICOSI

Fields

Notes

Document is marked "Strictly Confidential." http://www.pmdocs.com/getallimg.asp?if=avpidx&DOCID=1000208720/8741

Quotes

POSITION PAPER

1. Medical Controversy

We acknolwedge that there is controversy over many aspects of the general problem of smoking and health. There is disagreement among medical experts as to whether the reported associations between smoking and various diseases are causal or not. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for further research into the causes of such diseases and it remains our policy to support such research. To be effective it is desireable that the tobacco industry as a whole is seen to be responsible and, within its area of competence, authoratative. Moreover, we believe it is better to speak as an industry with one voice on such matters and that this can often best be accomplished by national associations of manufacturers. In this connection we believe it important that the industry assure that all appropriate members are kept advised of pertinent scientific, political, social and other developments.

2. Social Awareness, Responsibility and the Social Acceptability of Smoking

Because there is a general sensitivity in respect of our products per se, we should at all times be particularly vigilant in ensuraing that we remain beyone reproach concerning the ordinary duties and obligations we owe both our consumers and our workers.

Whilst the opponents of smoking use emotional arguments rather than scientific facts in their attempts to make smoking socially unacceptable, we must ensure that we never knowingly mislead our consumers who muyst believe that as manufacturers at all times we are acting responsible and have concern for their interests. We should state quite properly and responsibly that in view of the smoking and health controversy that recongizes that the causation issue remains controversial and unresolved.

We take the view that to date there is no persuasive scientific evidence to support the contention that the non-smoker is harmed by the tobacco smoke of others. However, it is our position that both smokers and non-smokers should be considerate of each other.

3. Disclosure of Information

We should influence as far as proper medical an dofficial opinion againsgt incautious imposition of contstraints and any unnecessafy restrictions on smoking. To do this it may be necessary to talk to medical authorities and Government agencies.

Our legitimate objectives must include protection of the interests of our consumers....

4. The Role of Government in a Free Society

The Industry believes that smokers are well aware of the claimed health effects of smoking. Information is available to thepublic from a variety of sources. The traditional role of Government is a free society with reference to legal products is to inform people, to give them the facts or to see that they are given the facts, and to leave the exercise of free choice to the individual.

5. Warning Clauses

If Governments propose wording implying or stating smoking causes certain diseases, Companies must strenuously resist with all means at their disposal.

6. League Tables

So far there is no valid scientific basis for combining measurements of different chemical compounds in the smoke of an individual cigarette brand into a single index number as to represent a measure of implied hazard relative to other brands. Such agregation implies unjustifiable judgments of the strength of assoication between chemical compounds and diseases. Such arbirtrary indices of hazard and their introduction should be resisted wherever possible.

7. Maximum "Tar" and Nicotine Limits

The imposition of maximum "tar" and nicotine yields, as well as attempts by Governments to tax high "tar" products differentially to those with lower deliveries, should be resisted.

8. Advertising

It is the Industry view that there is no valid evidence to support the contention that advertising increases total consumption of cigarettes. Advertising may affect the sales and distribution among indivudual companies or specific brands. In attempting to obtain the best possible shares of the market cigarette manufacturers have used competetive advertising to inform the consumer of product availablility, modificat6ions and innovations.

In view of the existence of the medical controversy, in any advertising, claims, express or implied, that one cigarette is healthier or less harmful than another should be avoided. We should resist restrictions on media advertising; however, in the area of voluntary agreements with Governments we should recognize that there is a limit beyond which the Industry cannot make further concessions...

WORKING PARTY REPORTS AND ICOSI DECISIONS

...(5) Social Acceptability Working Party (SAP)...

1. Initial Concentration on Passive Smoking

The Working Party will concentrate on recommended countermeasures for the passive smoking area of social acceptability issues....

2. Summarize Scientific Data on Passive Smoking

The Working party proposes that ICOSI asks its research Working Party to prepare in international summary of scientific studies on passive smoking...This would provide an essential factual basis for all subsequent planning and recommending of countermeasures...

3. Anaylsis of New Opinion Survey Data

The Working Party proposes to carefully analyze the results of the extensive opinion research now being conducted in the U.S. The aim would be to determine which "themes" and communications techniques are most effective in communicating the facts about passive smoking to the general public and other critical audiences. This interest in shaping public opinion reflects the Working Party's desire to go beyond the industry's traidtional practice of limiting its countermeasures to governmental agencies and officials...

4. Study the Feasibility of an Internation Ad Campaign

The Working Party proposes to study the feasibility of retaining an agency to develop a countermeasure advertising campaign on passive smoking aimed at international opinion leaders. The campaign would be designed for international publications (e.g. the Economist and airline magazines).

In making this proposal the Working Party is fully aware of the practical and legal difficulties of designing and running such advertising. However, the need to tell the industry's story succinctly and to reach opinion leaders is great enough to justify at least exploring the proposal....

Company

Philip Morris Cos., Inc.

Author

N/A

Recipient

Stamped "Received" by H. Wakeham of Philip Morris

Litigation

Stmn/Produced

Type

Rept, Other Report

Subject

Social Acceptability (Social acceptability of smoking)

The industry fought the decline in social acceptability of smoking through public relations campaigns, legislation, etc.

social influence

Document Images

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STRICTLY COh1FIDENTIAL . THE SECOND ICOSI NEE7IiVG BRILI.ANCOURT. L.Al1SAfIE NOVEI~ER ~ i AM 1_2. 1977 RECEIVED NOV A WASENM

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1, REVISm POSITION PAPER 2, WORKING PARTIES' REPORTS A~'~@ ICOSI DECISIONS 3. TASK FORCE PROGRAM - ATTACHMVT

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REVISED ICOSI POSITION PAPER 1. The second meeting of ICOSI (Brillancourt, Switzerland, November 11 & 12) agreed to accept a paper headed "PME Proposed Modification to Amendment of Position Paper". The document replaces the whole of the original document's paragraph 1. 2. The meeting also agreed to delete paragraph 9 entitled "Declaration of Constituents" in its entirety. Please refer "Revised Position Paper" overleaf.

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POSITION PAPER 1. Medical Controversy We acknowledge that there is controversy over many aspects of the general problem of smoking and health. There is disagreement among medical experts as to whether the reported associations between smoking and various diseases are causal or not. Accordingly, there is a continuing need for further research into the causes of such diseases and it remains our policy to support such research. To be effective it is desirable that the tobacco industry as a whole is seen to be responsible and, within its area of competence, authori- tative. Moreover, we believe it is better to speak as an industry with one voice on such matters and that this can often best be accomplished by national associations of manufacturers. In this connection we believe it important that the industry assure that all appropriate members are kept advised of pertinent scientific, political, social and other developments. . 2. Social Awareness, Responsibility and the Social Acceptability of Smoking Because there is general sensitivity in respect of.our products per se, we should at all times be particularly vigilant in ensuring that we remain beyond reproach concerning the ordinary duties and obligations we owe both our consumers and our workers. Whilst the opponents of smoking use emotional arguments rather than scientific facts in their attempts to make smoking socially unacceptable, we must ensure that we never knowingly mislead our consumers who must believe that as manufacturers at all times we are acting responsibly and have concern for their interests. We should state quite properly and responsibly that view of the smoking and health controversy that recognizes that the causation issue remains controversial and unresolved. We take the view that to date there is no persuasive scientific evidence to support the contention that the non-smoker is harmed by the tobacco smoke of others. However, it is our position that both smokers and non-smokers should be considerate of each other. 3. Disclosure of Information We should influence as far as proper medical and official opinion against incautious imposition of constraints and any unnecessary restrictions on smoking. To do this it may be necessary to talk to medical authorities and Government agencies. Our legitimate objectives must include protection of the interests of our consumers.

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Page 2. effects of smoking. Information is available to the public from a variety of sources. The traditional role of Government in a free society with reference to legal products is to inform people, to give them the facts or to see that they are given the facts, and to leave The Industry believes that smokers are well aware of the claimedhealth Where the Industry is sponsoring health research it should, as appropriate, keep others, including members of the industry in other countries, informed. in other countries. An industry in one country might, when appropriate, make known the research 4. The Role of Government in a Free Society the exercise of free choice to the individual. diseases, Companies must strenuously resist with all means at their dis- If Governments propose wording implying or stating smoking causes certain 5. Warning Clauses posal. hazard relative to other brands. Such aggregation implies unjustifiable judgments of the strength of association between chemical compounds and diseases. Such arbitrary indices of hazard and their introduction should So far there is no valid scientific basis for combining measurements of different chemical compounds in the smoke of an individual cigarette brand into a single index number as to represent a measure of implied 6. League Tables The imposition of maximum "tar" and nicotine yields, as well as attempts by Governments to tax high "tar"*products differentially to those with be resisted wherever possible. 7. Maximum "Tar" and Nicotine Limits lower deliveries, should be resisted. to inform the consumer of product availability, modifications and innova- tions. It is the Industry view that there is no valid evidence to support the contention that advertising increases total consumption of cigarettes. Advertising may affect the sales distribution among individual companies or specific brands. In attempting to obtain the best possible shares of the market cigarette manufacturers have used competitive advertising 8. Advertising claims, express or implied, that one cigarette is healthier or less In view of the existence of the medical controversy, in any advertising, harmful than another should be avoided.

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Page 3. We should resist restrictions on media advertising; however, in the area of voluntary agreements with Governments we should recognize that there is a limit beyond which the Industry cannot make further concessions. 9. Research Research plays a key role in our reaction to the attacks on smoking. It is incumbent on a responsible manufacturer to understand the allegations against smoking products, and to acquire on a continuing basis as much knowledge as possible of his products. It is our policy to further support work on the scientific smoking and health controversy. The results of such scientific investigations must be made available to the public by appropriate means. 10. Product Liability We should keep aware of, examine carefully and take appropriate action when advisable with respect to the laws and proposed changes in the laws concerning productliability. 11. Cigarette Manufacturers' Associations We accept the need of national cigarette manufacturers' associations and give them full support. We believe that the Industry's activities in the smoking and health field should be carried out by or through the Associations, whenever this is appropriate.

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WORKING PARTIES' RERORTS & DECISIONS 1000208727 I

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WORKING PARTIES' REPORTS AND ICOSI DECISIONS 1. Medical/Behavioural Research Working Party (MBP) When reading the following, please bear in mind the ICOSI decision that the Smoking Behaviour Working Party (SBP) has completed!its assignment. ICOSI accepted certain recommendations by that group and they will be dealt with by the renamed Medical/Behavioural Research Working Party (MBP), with one exception: . The Social Acceptance Working Party (SAP) will deal with recommenda- tion E, page 2 of the original SBP report, which reads as follows: "Examination of the differences in attitudes and feelings between smokers and non-smokers". In view of the additional work-load and area of expertise of the MBP,-ICOSI decided that the MBP Chairman, Dr. Bentley, be given the option to co-opt ex-members of the disbanded SBP to serve on his group, as and when required. The following recommendations were accepted by ICOSI and will be handled:by the MBP: a. Measurement of carbon monoxide and nicotine in smoking environments using the Stanford Research Institute instrument under standardised conditions;. b. Development of the Stanford Research Institute instrument to determine particulate matter, using company research and develop- ment facilities; c. Development of an analytical method for measuring nitrosamines and investigation of background levels. This Project Should Be Given First Priority. d. Commissioning research by independent contractors to measure all four constituents in real-life situations; e. Evaluation of acceptable risks and nuisances. 2. MBP Assignment on Cardiovascular Diseases, Smoking in Pregnancies and Respiratory Diseases (Please refer first report - Working Party on Medical Research pages 2-5)

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Page 2. It was agreed that the MBP Group would prepare a document to be submitted to ICOSI members by February 1, 1978 on the most important co-variables associated with the diseases and conditions referred to above. This work is to be completed before any further consideration is given to the specific research projectsrecommended in the report. 3. MBP Assignments Ex Working Party on Smoking Behaviour (Please refer ICOSI Working Party on Smoking Behaviour, Dated Chelwood, September 1-3) As stated earlier, it was agreed to re-assign most of the proposals contained in the report of the Smoking Behaviour Working Party to the MBP. The MBP will submit feasibility, estimated timing and costs to ICOSI members by February 1, 1978 covering the following items: a. Examining the role of smoking in influencing what is known as "the.. level of arousal" and aggressive feelings. Such an investigation would involve both the stimulating and relaxing effects of smoking. The TRC and PM are working on this issue and will provide results of their work to the MBP when available. b. To determine the importance of smoking in mental health, both in normal situations (coping with stresses of everyday life) and in abnormal situations (mental hospitals). The TRC is working in this area. When available, results will be provided to the MBP. c. Some smokers stop smoking or otherwise modify their smoking behaviour. It is considered worthwhile studying the circumstances under which such actions are being taken and the extent to which they occur. BAT will design a study, prepare a proposal and come up with a cost estimate. To attempt to predict the likely social consequences in the event of a rapid decline in the smoking habit as a result of external pressure on the smoker. Imperial and Gallaher will prepare a feasibility study covering this item. e. To develop tests for various kinds of psychological stress and to study the effects of smoking on these stresses. 5. Social Acceptability Working Party (SAP) . (Please refer first report SAP, pages 14-16) It was agreed to accept the SAP proposals in toto, albeit with some re- allocation of priorities. Additionally, the SAP was asked to assume responsibility for recommedation $-page 2 of the original report of the SBWP (now defunct), which reads as follows: "Examination of the differences in attitudes and feelings between smokers and non-smokers". This will be referred to as proposal number 13 hereinafter.

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Page 3. The following is the first priority task of the SAP. They have been requested to recommend first counter measures, their implementation and cost estimates for these proposals by February 1, 1978 (proposals for next activity by SAP Nos. 1, 2, 3 & 7). 1. Initial Concentration on Passive Smoking. The Working Party will concentrate on recommended counter- measurers for the passive smoking area of social acceptability issues. Later, after this top priority item has been addressed, the Working Party can develop recommendations, as desired by ICOSI, in the areas of "courtesy" and "social costs". - 2. Summarize Scientific Data on Passive Smoking. The Working Party proposes that ICOSI asks its research Working Party to prepare an international summary of scientific studies on passive smoking, with summary translated into layman's language insofar as possible. This would provide an essential factual basis for all subsequent planning and recommending of counter- measuresr The social acceptability party assumes that the scientists conducting the survey will also point out any "gaps" in the research and that ICOSI or its member will commission any further research needed to fill the "gaps". 3. Analysis of New Opinion Survey Data. The Working Party proposes to carefully analyze the results of extensive opinion research now being conducted in the U.S. The aim would be to determine which "themes" and communications techniques are most effective in communicating the facts about passive smoking to the general public and other critical audiences. This interest in shaping public opinions reflects the Working Party's desire to go beyond the industry's traditional practice of limiting its countermeasures to governmental agencies and officials. feasibility of establishing an "international clearinghouse and 7. Analyze Feasibility of International Clearinghouse. The Working Party proposes that ICOSI authorize them to study the information service." If properly structured, such a group could tive as a coordinating body for planning and activating ff b ec e e countermeasures. Additionally, this group could play a pivotal role in the monitoring systems which are discussed below. It was agreed that the Working Party determine feasibility and submit cost estimates by February 1, 1978 for the following (proposals for activity by SAP Nos. 4, 5, and 6). {~;

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