HAITI . . . U.S. TRIES THE WHEAT PLOY

The United States is dangling $15 million in aid to Haiti over the ruling junta's heads, most of it to come from sales of U.S.-donated wheat flour. The catch, Secretary of State Warren Christopher said, is that Haiti's impoverished people won't get the bulk until the military welcomes back exiled President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Even so, about $3 million will immediately go to feed children, the elderly and disabled. BTW: The last time the U.S. gave Haiti aid -- $20 million last year -- the de facto government in Port-au-Prince reportedly froze several banks accounts so much of the money couldn't be used.