The British government is in negotiations with the Middle Eastern oil-rich nation of Ramaut to allow in British drilling agencies, but Ramaut withdraws from the talks, leaving Britain desperate. British Col. Drexel (Jack Hawkins) is enlisted in a covert operation to kidnap the Ramaut prince, Jamil (Christopher Witty), in order to force an oil agreement between the countries. Drexel brings in American David Frazer (Cliff Robertson) to assist, but Frazer finds someone else has plans for Jamil.