diff --git a/direct/src/cluster/ClusterMsgs.py b/direct/src/cluster/ClusterMsgs.py
index d4f7530bd9..a10820ad4c 100644
--- a/direct/src/cluster/ClusterMsgs.py
+++ b/direct/src/cluster/ClusterMsgs.py
@@ -54,6 +54,7 @@ class ClusterMsgHandler:
                 type = CLUSTER_NONE
                 self.notify.warning("getData returned false")
         else:
+            datagram = None
             dgi = None
             type = CLUSTER_NONE
         # Note, return datagram to keep a handle on the data