While ranks and titles might cause some confusion, a possible crossing of paths years before and simple research on Hummel’s part could confirm that he knows who his captive really is and is letting the decorated hero stick to his story. To begin with, there’s the theory that Hummel and Bond (now Mason) were in Hong Kong at the same time during the ’60s. In “The Rock,” the general reveals the history between himself and Major Tom Baxter (David Morse), which dates back to the Tet Offensive, one of the campaigns during the Vietnam War. During that time, it wasn’t uncommon for American soldiers to be in Hong Kong while on leave, specifically in 1967, which is when one of Connery’s Bond movie “You Only Live Twice” takes place. During that mission, Bond is presumed dead, even making the headlines of the newspaper which Hummel could’ve seen at that time.
Given his almost encyclopedic knowledge of past missions and important dates, it wouldn’t be that much of a push for Hummel to recall the death of a military man that made the front page news, and would also explain why he addresses Mason in such away when they first meet. When Hummel greets Mason, he refers to him as “sailor” which could be the general referring to Bond’s naval history, until “Mason” announces himself and the captor plays along out of respect for his opponent. After all, there’s enough of Mason’s history out in the open already, and part of it is living in San Francisco.
