Etch -> Lenny upgrade error (util-linux)

[yasbean <smithcu@gmail.com>]

I was trying to upgrade from a pure Etch system (i386) to Lenny, and
have come to an impasse.  apt-get install apt (or aptitude install
aptitude) fails when trying to replace util-linux, saying:

install-info: No dir file specified; try --help for more information.
dpkg: warning - old pre-removal script returned error exit status 1
dpkg - trying script from the new package instead ...
install-info: No dir specified; try --help for more information.
dpkg: error processing /var/cache/apt/archives/util-
linux_2.13.1.1-1_i386.deb (--unpack):
 subprocess new pre-removal script returned error exit status 1
install-info: unrecognized option `--description=System V interprocess
communication facilities'
      Try `install-info --help' for a complete list of options.
dpkg: error while cleaning up:
 subprocess post-installation script returned error exit status 1
Errors were encountered while processing:
 /var/cache/apt/archives/util-linux_2.13.1.1-1_i386.deb
E: Sub-process /usr/bin/dpkg returned an error code (1)

Does anyone have an idea of how to save the system?