compiling t2 on ubuntu 6.10 fails

compiling on ubuntu 6.10 fails
--
./scripts/Build-Target -cfg system
!> UNAME_MACHINE = unknown
!> UNAME_RELEASE = unknown
!> UNAME_SYSTEM  = unknown
!> UNAME_VERSION = unknown
!> configure: error: cannot guess build type; you must specify one
--

the following error message in automake.err:
--
configure: WARNING: If you wanted to set the --build type, don't use --host.
    If a cross compiler is detected then cross compile mode will be used.
checking build system type... lib/config.guess: unable to guess system type

This script, last modified 2005-07-08, has failed to recognize
the operating system you are using. It is advised that you
download the most up to date version of the config scripts from

...

config.guess timestamp = 2005-07-08

uname -m = unknown
uname -r = unknown
uname -s = unknown
uname -v = unknown

/usr/bin/uname -p =
/bin/uname -X     =

hostinfo               =
/bin/universe          =
/usr/bin/arch -k       =
/bin/arch              = i686
/usr/bin/oslevel       =
/usr/convex/getsysinfo =

UNAME_MACHINE = unknown
UNAME_RELEASE = unknown
UNAME_SYSTEM  = unknown
UNAME_VERSION = unknown
configure: error: cannot guess build type; you must specify one
--

t2 had been checked out via svn.

Any help is appreciated.
--
Volker Jahns, volker@xxxxxxxxxxx