November 8, 2001 Securities and Exchange Commission Operations Center; Att: EDGAR Stop 0-7 6432 General Green Way Alexandria, VA 22312-2413 Re: Amendment to Schedule 13G Ladies and Gentlemen: We are filing the month-ended October 31, 2001 Amendment to Schedule 13G through the EDGAR system, on behalf of Putnam Investments, Inc., required to be filed by this organization and certain of its affiliates pursuant to Section 13(d) and (g) of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934 and applicable applications thereunder. Copies of the amendment are being sent to the issuer, as required by Rule 13d-1(b)(1). Comments or questions concerning the above may be directed to Andrew J. Hachey at 1- 800-291-1000, Ext. 18235. Very truly yours, PUTNAM INVESTMENTS, LLC. /s/ Andrew J. Hachey Vice President and Counsel S:\13g\mayamend.doc