title: is __init__.py essentially required for a package to be imported
body: <pre><code>from distutils import tests
  </code></pre>
  
  <p>this seems to not be throwing any errors even though there is no __init__.py in distutils/tests.</p>
  
  <p>my understanding uto this point was that __init__.py is essentially required for a package or subpackage to be imported</p>