Would just like to add my heartfelt thanks for the simple hint

And, perhaps something to add to the Docs

After adding "--without-computed-gotos" I can complete a (default) configure, make, make (DESTDIR=xxx) install of

* python-2.7.11 (was not needed for 2.7.10 and earlier 2.7 releases)
* python-3.4.4
* python-3.5.1

That said, there may still be some minor issues yet to come - but the root cause of my recent failures (emphasis on my) are resolved.

If not in the Dev-Guide paragraph for AIX - please add
use --without-computed-gotos when using IBM xlc (aka vac) compiler.

Again,

THANKS!