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012 B000001 84-401299
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<PAGE> PAGE 9
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SIGNATURE PAUL BUCUVALAS
TITLE VICE PRESIDENT
WARNING: THE EDGAR SYSTEM ENCOUNTERED ERROR(S) WHILE PROCESSING THIS SCHEDULE.
<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 6
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM
Putnam Intermediate Government Income Trust AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> OTHER
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<PERIOD-END> MAY-31-1996
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<INVESTMENTS-AT-VALUE> 605,651,611
<RECEIVABLES> 19,349,046
<ASSETS-OTHER> 338
<OTHER-ITEMS-ASSETS> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 625,000,995
<PAYABLE-FOR-SECURITIES> 0
<SENIOR-LONG-TERM-DEBT> 0
<OTHER-ITEMS-LIABILITIES> 84,378,510
<TOTAL-LIABILITIES> 847,378,510
<SENIOR-EQUITY> 0
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<REALIZED-GAINS-CURRENT> (6,340,413)
<APPREC-INCREASE-CURRENT> (16,667,016)
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<DISTRIBUTIONS-OF-GAINS> 0
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<PER-SHARE-NAV-BEGIN> 8.70
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</TABLE>
