I don't think calling external functions or using external variables actually ever worked. I don't know. There is a patch though
http://gcc.gnu.org/ml/gcc-patches/2005-01/msg01960.html -- Summary: [treelang] External references don't work. Product: gcc Version: 4.0.0 Status: UNCONFIRMED Keywords: patch Severity: normal Priority: P2 Component: other AssignedTo: phython at gcc dot gnu dot org ReportedBy: phython at gcc dot gnu dot org CC: gcc-bugs at gcc dot gnu dot org http://gcc.gnu.org/bugzilla/show_bug.cgi?id=19897