Smoking & Cancer

Stung by recent evidence that there is a definite connection between heavy cigarette smoking and lung cancer (TIME, Nov. 30), the tobacco industry organized to nail down the facts. In telling the U.S. public this week (in newspaper ads) of its decision, the Tobacco Industry Research Committee-challenged the conclusiveness of recent findings but said: "We accept an interest in people's health as a basic responsibility, paramount to every other consideration in our business."

Committee members pledged joint financial aid for research into "all phases of tobacco use and health." Heading the research will be "a scientist of unimpeachable integrity and national repute" (not yet named). "Scientists disinterested in the cigarette industry . . . from medicine, science and education will be invited to serve" on an advisory board.

*Comprising nine cigarette manufacturers (including all the big ones except Liggett & Myers) and five tobacco trade groups.

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