The question of liability protection has dogged the tobacco talks ever since discussions leading up to last June's proposal began.

Mr. Lindsey declined to answer specific questions about his role in the tobacco talks.

The tobacco talks, which began two months ago, are an effort to settle a number of legal and regulatory issues related to smoking.

"Time is running out," warned Michael A. Moore, the Attorney General of Mississippi, who was the states' chief negotiator in the tobacco talks.

In an interview, Mr. Moore said he did not believe he had any significant differences with Mr. Humphrey on the goals of the tobacco talks.

But the story of this latest round of tobacco talks, which began in the spring, may be more than one of opportunities lost for the states.

F.D.A. control over nicotine was one of the most contentious points in the tobacco talks.

Negotiators in the tobacco talks must deal not only with current smoking-related claims, but also ones that will occur in the future.

White House officials have indicated before that they planned to review thoroughly any proposal offered by negotiators in the tobacco talks with a particular eye toward its effect on public-health issues.

Every day has brought a new bulletin from the tobacco talks.