Letter from The Dollar Company - Re Advertising on Traffic Control Lamp Posts. Shanghai, December 18, 1931. Source: SMA (SMC), U1-3-3381 (0383-0384).

We have the honour to apply for the Council's Permission to erect advertising signs beside the Red and Green traffic control lights as indicated on the four diagrams attached herewith, and beg to submit the following for your and the Council's consideration:

1. In the Settlement there are at least a few hundred traffic signal lights, which occupy prominent position on the streets and command everybody's attention. The space, either on the top, bottom, or by the side of the light is therefore very suitable for commercial advertising. 
2. We are prepared to pay all the necessary advertising rates and/or rentals for the contract privilege to erect a board or boards on each of the signal posts in the Settlement, and we may sublet them to merchants for their advertising purposes. 
3. Only a few squares feet in size, the said advertising boards cannot possibly cause any obstruction, but, being artistically painted will add much to the aesthetic of outlook of the city. 
4. The few square feet of empty and otherwise useless spaces will, in the event our application is granted, be turned into a source of regular revenue to the Council.
5. Fifty per cent of business success are due to advertising. The Council by granting our application will encourage advertising, which in turn will increase trade and add very much to the prosperity of the Settlement. 

It is apparent from the above that our application is based largely upon consideration conducive to the economic welfare of the Settlement.  

Report from Commissioner of Police to Secretary. Re Advertising on Traffic Control Lamp Posts - Your Ref. No. 4784/3 dated 21/12/31. Shanghai, January 5, 1932.  Source: SMA (SMC), U1-3-3381 (0385).

The display of any type of advertisement, in or near a roadway would be liable to distract the attention of vehicle drivers and other road users and should therefore not be permitted. All Traffic Signal Lights are installed at points where traffic is particularly heavy and the use of the Traffic Control Posts for advertising purpose is most undesirable. I recommend that the application be refused.  

Letter from Deputy Secretary (J.M. McKee) to Dollar Company. Shanghai, January 7, 1932.  Source: SMA (SMC), U1-3-3381 (0386).

In reply to your letter of December 18, 1931, I have to inform you that the Council is unwilling to approve of advertising on traffic control lamp posts.