World Notes FRANCE

Of all national stereotypes, one of the most enduring is of the Frenchman squinting through the smoke of the Gauloise affixed to the corner of his mouth, holding a glass of dark red wine in his hand. Last week the government declared war on that image. The Ministry of Health warned that 300 French men and women every day die prematurely from excessive smoking and drinking.

Per capita alcohol consumption in France is among the world's highest, and studies show that deaths from lung cancer among men have increased 366% since 1950. The government plans to introduce laws in parliament to increase the price of cigarettes 15% beginning in 1991 and to ban all tobacco advertising by 1993. Alcohol ads would be restricted to print media. Another study might then be necessary to find out whether the stereotypical Frenchman has been deterred by higher prices from inhaling cigarette smoke and vin rouge.