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Annotations of documents gleaned from the British American Tobacco Company (BATCO) and BAT Industries documents at the Minnesota Tobacco Industry Document Depository. There are twenty-six boxes, (18 from BATCO, and 8 from BAT Industries (mainly financial statements, which should be of interest to those tracking industry structure). The material in Minnesota represent about ten percent of a larger cache in Guildford, England, also now open to the public. The box numbers here refer only to this Minnesota Select Set but the Bates numbers should be equivalent.

1. Circa 1980, overhead presentation, unsigned, "Thought process behind BAT stance on smoking and health," BAT (File no. C35) 100453428 - 436.

   An apologia and attempt to formulate public stance to restore credibility, especially banking on the low delivery cigarettes to provide benefits, based -- of course -- on the advice of "certain Government and health authorities," to which the Industry will respond by giving customers more choice. Overhead lays out schedule of talks to medical groups, ministers, manufacturers associations, etc.

   Notable quotes: "Primarily because of legal constraints, the Industry has to date maintained a low profile by not commenting publicly on: –the medical/scientific evidence –the anti-smoking attacks – the scope and results of research – the steady changes in product design. But htis failure to speak openly with doctors, governments, the media (and of course consumers) is generally interpreted as an admission of guilt –Industry credibility is now virtually zero." "We cannot say that cigarettes have been scientifically established as good or bad – but we can note the views of independent scientists and medical researchers. We must at all times be careful not to be seen to be adopting these views as our own." [Emphasis in original.]

2. 25 September 1980, minutes, L.C.F. Blackman, "Meeting with BMA doctors," BAT (File no. C41) 100434634 - 635.

   An example of a meeting as described above, with the British Medical Association.

   Notable quote: "By definition, epidemiological evidence is a long-term exercise and the present encouraging signs relate mainly to the earlier change to filter cigarettes (1960s) rather than to the more recent move towards ventilated filter products. While it may take years yet to have the expected evidence related to the latter, the signs are extremely encouraging that it will point to a significant further weakening of the alleged association of smoking and disease."

   [NB. At this juncture it is worth referring the reader to key articles refuting Blackman's self-serving optimism: 1) Michael J. Thun, et al., "Excess mortality among cigarette smokers: Changes in a 20-year interval," American Journal of Public Health 1995;85:1223-1230 ("Premature mortality...doubled in women and continued unabated in men from the 1960s to the 1980s. Lung cancer surpassed coronary heart disease as the largest single contributor to smoking-attributable death among White middle-class smokers."). 2) Richard Doll, et al., "Mortality in relation to smoking: 40 years' observations on male British doctors," British Medical Journal 1994;309:901-911 ("Results from the first 20 years of this study...substantially underestimated the hazards of long term use of tobacco. It now seems that about half of all regular cigarette smokers will eventually be killed by their habit."). 3) Richard Peto, "Smoking and death; the past 40 years and the next 40," British Medical Journal 1994;309:937-939 (chart of deaths ratios from 1955 to 1995 illustrates continued rise in excess mortality in men and women smokers, and no expectation of abatement given the current prevalence of smoking in the young). 4) S.D. Stellman, et al., with Ernst Wynder, "Impact of filter cigarette smoking on lung cancer histology," Preventive Medicine 1997:26:451-456 (associates the change in dominant lung cancer type from squamous cell carcinoma to adenocarcinoma with deep inhalation of low-delivery cigarettes).

3. 29 September 1982, letter from D.G. Felton to D.H. Beese (Tobacco Advisory Council), "Lynn Kozlowski -- Addiction Research Foundation," BAT (file no.C50) 100436213 - 214

   Kozlowski showed compensation in British smokers of low delivery cigarettes. Tactic used here is to discredit the researcher and her survey form ("a very imperfect instrument").

4. March 1981, policy paper, unsigned, "Advertising Documentation," (partial extract taken) BAT (File no. C72, 1 of 2) 100439232 - 236.

   Repeats Industry-wide argument that advertising doesn't increase consumption, merely divides up an already existing market; no influence on "young people" to begin smoking; advertising bans "curb product innovation and development" [NB. Such as the "low- delivery"cigarettes and thin cigarettes for women, for instance.].

5. 20 October 1978, memo by Peter Lee, "Papers by Gori on safer cigarettes," BAT (File no.C77) 100454697 - 698.

   Gio Gori, then of the National Cancer Institute, promoted an idea that one could smoke a certain number of cigarettes of certain brands -- proposing a critical number index based on the levels of several noxious ingredients, and not risk disease. Lee points out that the effect on lung cancer is linear at any level of smoking, not discontinuous.

   Notable quote: "All in all, the paper is scientifically very simplistic. It is remarkable that an NCI scientist should get involved in what is effectively brand advertising."

6. 15 August 1983, minutes, L.C.F. Blackman, "Notes of a meeting at BAT(UK&E)," BAT (File no. C89) 100441644 - 645.

   Discussion on tar levels to be negotiated with the Government, in a way not to discredit the Independent Scientific Committee (ISC) or Sir Richard Doll and Richard Peto by opposing lowering tar levels, yet to resist Government forcing low levels of tar. That the meeting is of BAT's export group suggests wanting to protect higher tar exports or overseas manufacture. Also discussion on compensation by smokers, claiming it doesn't exist.

   Notable quotes: "The recommendation that no new brand should be above 13 mg tar is not justified either in terms of the achievement of the [tar] target or free competition." "A particular aspect of the attack on low tar is the mounting claim that smokers abuse the modern product – in particular that they block the ventilation holes with their fingers. We have strong GR&DC evidence that this is not the case; but at the moment we have certain in-house constraints on the use of the information." {NB. This is gross and knowing misrepresentation. See the evidence of BAT knowledge of compensation, Blackman included, in this series of annotations: Batcodoc1, Box 1 item 14 from 1975, Box 8 item 28 from 1977, item 29 from1983, Box 9 item 15 from1982, item 18 from 1976; and above Box 4 item 1 circa 1985. There are undoubtedly others in this series, search for "compensation." Recall that BAT was developing the ACTRON filter in the early 1980s, the sine qua non filter encouraging compensation, and may be the "in-house constraint" Blackman referred to.]

7. 28 May 1970, memo from C.R.L. Matchett (Carreras, Ltd. a British tobacco firm) to R.M. McCrae and R.W.J. Williams (unidentified affiliation but likely BAT), "Pooling agreement," BAT (File no. C89) 100441707.

   Agreement to pool information and health-related research with Imperial, Gallahers, BAT (presumably), a South African firm (?Rothman's). See a discussion of cost and risk-pooling between BAT and Brown & Williamson extending back to 1958 in Stanton Glantz, et al., The Cigarette Papers (Berkeley: University of California,1996), pp. 282-284.

   Notable quotes: "It is clearly understood that there is no clear-cut definition of 'health- related' research as opposed to 'commercial' research, but that the intentions of each company were that they would not allow this weakness to become a stumbling-block, but that each company would act according to its conscience in the light of the spirit of the agreement. You will also recall that Imperial were concerned about the relationship of both Carreras and Gallahers with their respective overseas 'parent' companies. I was able to assure Imperial that, as far as Carreras were concerned, we would not wish [handwritten under-score of "not wish" and marginal note that looks like 'do we?' or 'are we?'], nor would we be directed to transfer health-related research overseas, and at the same time South Africa has agreed to join with us in making available any relevant information in the smoking and health field. It was understood, however, that South africa's relationships with some of its associates were somewhat tenuous and did not necessarily amount to control of those companies. Nevertheless, this situation is, of course, by no means unique." [NB. Of course, BAT was considerably involved in doing research "overseas": in Germany, for instance, with the Verband, the association of German Cigarette Manufacturers, of which BAT's German subsidiary was a member.]

8. 10 June 1982, position paper, unsigned, "BAT position on various allegations that could be raised at the AGM," BAT (File no. C98) 100443246 - 262.

   Eighteen items are listed in the index: advertising in third world, warning labels dual standards, dumping of high tar cigarettes on third word nations, international brands dual standards, WHO recommendations, UNCTAD report, UICC guidelines, re-afforestation, aldrin, "Spur" article on deforestation in Kenya, animal experiments, sponsorship, Times article 24^th March by Annabelle Ferriman, passive/public smoking, Argentina (expropriation during Falklands War), lobbying and entertainment of MPs, smoking and pregnancy, Barclay (B&W statement).

   Notable quotes: Advertising - "BAT duly complies with the laws and regulations of every country in which it operates.... It is the policy of all our companies world-wide that their advertising for tobacco products be directed at adults and for achieving brand preference only."

   Warning clauses – "We believe this is properly the responsibility of governments...."

   Dumping – "...[W]e provide consumers with a full range of brands of varying deliveries. It must be appreciated that it is the consumer who makes the final choice and if, as in many countries, he smokes only 2 or 3 cigarettes a day, it is understandable that he prefers a more flavourful cigarette." [NB. The brands offered by export or made at the time of this paper ranged from 15 to 20 mg tar.]

   WHO recommendations (in "Controlling the Smoking Epidemic," 1979) – " 'Recommendation Non-smoking should be regarded as normal social behavior.' The recommendation totally fails to recognise that smoking is a long established habit followed by very many people.... [I]t has not scientifically been proven that smoking causes diseases in humans.... 'Recommendation There should be a total prohibition of all forms of tobacco promotion.' ...[P]romotional techniques are intended to achieve brand preference and reinforce brand loyalty.... [N]or does it appear that such advertising causes people to begin smoking.... 'Recommendation exports should be discouraged and the Industry progressively reduced in size.' Implementing this recommendation could have serious social and economic consequences, particularly on those developing countries with few alternate forms of industry." [NB. Etc., etc.]

   Lobbying and entertaining MPs – "It would be an insult to suggest that anybody could be bought for the price of a lunch. BAT, in common with many other companies and interests, retain two MPs as Parliamentary advisers. They help to keep the company in touch with developments in the House of Commons and in the party political process."

   [NB. Pages on pregnancy and Barclay are not present in this file.]

9. 20 January 1987, marketing proposal, Glen smith (Children's Research Unit, London), "Advertising under threat and juvenile smoking studies," BAT (File no. CA0069) 601014740 - 749.

   For details of Smith's work, its use by the tobacco industry, and industry representatives' private views of its quality, see Hirschhorn's Briefing Paper number 1, "Tobacco industry campaign against tobacco advertising bans in the 1980s." Here Smith seeks new business under the guise of adding surveys to an expanding data base. Every study he did showed that advertising had no effect, none, on initiating smoking by children. Through untrammeled tobacco advertising, Smith also wishes to defend the general right to advertise as a way of informing consumers.

   Notable quotes: "We have clear evidence that advertising is not only irrelevant to juvenile smoking initiation, but that it appears to have no influence on total consumption.... Independent research in a variety of areas...shows advertising in the role of consumer friend, rather than manipulator, and enemy."

10. July/August 1984, letters from Australian legislators and ministers to Glen Smith, BAT (File no. CA0069) 601014773 - 812.

    Forty letters , many pro-forma, some laudatory, thanking Smith for his publication, "Children and television advertising – an overview," which was sent around during hearings on banning tobacco advertising on television; apparently the advertising also took place during children's programs. If Smith's other studies are a guide, this one probably said that children aren't so much influenced by television advertising as by their parents' and older sibs' purchasing patterns, etc. [NB. Interesting that copies of this correspondence to Smith have all landed in BAT's files.]

11. 12 January 1987, telex to Glen Smith from John Dollison (telex address "TOBAC AA73939"), "Subject: Visit to Australia 2-6th February, 1987," BAT (File no. CA0069) 601014813.

    Document shows a tobacco interest group organizing Smith's visits to the Australian media, the Ministers of Health and Communication, and various legislators in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne.

    Notable quote: "Trip will be organized by David Bacon, Blair Hunt and probably Geoff Drucker in Melbourne."

12. 1984/1986, miscellaneous letters to Smith, BAT (File no. CA0069) 601014815 - 820 (missing 817).

    Two lunch invitations from the UK Department of Health and Social Security, one from the Tobacco Institute USA, two from the European Parliament. Smith apparently helped the "Committee of Enquiry into Drug Abuse in the European Community."

13. 5 December 1984, letter from Michael J. Thompson (Executive Director Tobacco Institute of New Zealand) to Glen Smith, BAT (File no. CA0069) 601014826.

    Expresses delight that Smith will come to New Zealand on his trip to Australia. Suggests he meet with Hevlen Research Centre (Ian Brown) and trhe Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of New Zealand.

    Notable quote: "The current debate on smoking and children/young people in New Zealand follows a perhaps predictable course, incorporating the following activities: 1)The anti-smoking organisations and individuals accuse us of luring children into smoking through our advertising. 2)Part of the health curriculum in schools is devoted to smoking and is backed up by a resource kit that might as well have been written by WHO."

14. 17 February 1986, memo and aide-memoire from Ray E. Thornton to P. Sheehy (Chairman BAT Industries) "Professor C.G. Caro," BAT (File no. E554) 103368134 - 135.

    Caro was head of the Physiological Flow Unit at Imperial College, London. He demonstrated that atherosclerosis was due to slowed flow in blood vessels and "silting up." His research had been funded from 1981-1984 by BATCo, and he sought new funding but was turned down.

    Notable quotes: "... [S]moking (and other factors) could conceivably alter the flow in arteries.... [W]hen renewal was sought other projects were given a higher priority. Nevertheless, Professor Caro has remained a good friend pf BAT (he is an acquaintance of Sir Duncan Oppenheim and Sir Richard Dobson)...."