My paternal grandfather worked in China prior to and through the early stages of WW2. He was often at the US Embassy on business or visiting friends.
He hated the Dept of State. Said it was nothing but a haven for socialists and 5th columnists.
Some things never change.
Some things NEVER change!
My great uncle also worked in China as the US Counsel General prior to the War. He and his wife were trapped in Hong Kong, then Singapore, but got away from the Nip invaders and made it to Australia. Your relative and my uncle might have known each other. Talk about turbulent times! The Nip military leaders abetted genocide big time in China, making possible the rise of the Chicoms who are even more serious killers.