Leifer, an amateur radio operator for more than 15 years, said that he had made radio contact and talked to the King last April 24. Hams routinely exchange QSL cards after a radio conversation to verify their contact. George Shamma, a representative of the Jordanian Embassy in Washington, acknowledged that Hussein was a licensed amateur radio operator. The conversation lasted about five minutes, Leifer recalled. And the fact that Jordan is Arab and that Leifer is Jewish never entered the conversation.
Ham operators have a fraternal bond.
All we care about is whether or not he is an operator and the kind of equipment he uses. Leifer said that he heard Hussein give his call sign. He located the frequency, he said, and the King acknowledged contact and introduced himself only as Hussein. Hussein said that he was broadcasting from near Amman Jordon. Leifer said that he gave his name, told him where he was broadcasting from and asked about his equipment.