vim help file "Error detected while processing BufRead Auto Commands for "*.gz""

["John F Davis" <johndavi@us.ibm.com>]

Hello

Debian Unstable
intel

I have the latest vim.  When I try to issue the :help command I get the
following
error:

Error detected while processing BufRead Auto commands for "*.gz":
E21: Cannot make changes, 'modifiable' is off
E434: Can't find tag pattern
Hit ENTER or type command to continue

What gives?

JD