or early July. The temptation to hold off sizeable purchases till then could indeed be great. A harassed government, short of food but equally short of funds, may thus indeed feel flustered in arriving at a decision. Its anxiety not to divulge the actual quantity being considered for import is understandable, since that could give a boost to speculators. But it is too late in the day now to play the role of a desiccated accountant either.