Question E1C02:
[97.117] Which of the following apply to communications transmitted to amateur stations in foreign countries?  

Choices:  
A: Third party traffic must be limited to that intended for the exclusive use of government and non-Government Organization (NGOs) involved in emergency relief activities  
B: All transmissions must be in English  
C: Communications must be limited to those incidental to the purpose of the amateur service and remarks of a personal nature  
D: All these choices are correct    

Correct Answer is  C: Communications must be limited to those incidental to the purpose of the amateur service and remarks of a personal nature  

Correct answer: C

1) Why C is correct
- FCC Part 97.117 states: Transmissions to foreign amateur stations must be limited to communications incidental to the purpose of the amateur service and to remarks of a personal character.
- In practice, that means normal ham QSOs (signal reports, technical topics, operating information, goodwill) and personal chit-chat are fine. Business communications, broadcasting, or program content delivery are not.

2) Why the other choices are incorrect
- A: Incorrect. Third-party traffic is governed by Part 97.115. It is not limited to government/NGO emergency use. International third-party messages are permitted if the foreign country has a third-party agreement with the U.S. or during bona fide emergencies threatening life or property—not only for NGOs.
- B: Incorrect. There is no English-only rule. You may use any language, provided you do not use codes or ciphers intended to obscure meaning (97.113).
- D: Incorrect because A and B are not correct.

3) Useful rules of thumb
- 97.117: To foreign stations, keep it incidental to amateur service and personal remarks.
- 97.115: International third-party traffic allowed only:
  - With countries having a third-party agreement with the U.S., or
  - During emergency communications where life or property is threatened.
- 97.113: No communications for hire or business purposes; no codes/ciphers intended to obscure meaning.