Johnson, Nelson Trusler

Johnson, Nelson Trusler

(1887–1954) diplomat; born in Washington, D.C. While a student at George Washington University, he took his first position as an interpreter (of Chinese) for the State Department. He was assistant secretary of state (1927–29), envoy to China (1929–41), and the wartime ambassador to Australia (1941–45). His long career in the State Department (1907–52) culminated with his position as secretary-general of the Far Eastern Commission.