A Belgian mercenary soldier is charged with treason after leading an uprising in Santa Isabella, a small British dependency. The defense argue that as the accused is not a British national, he owes no allegiance to the Queen and therefore cannot possibly be charged with treason.

Special Branch officer Det. Chief Supt. Lane explains the reasons behind arrest of mercenary George Clement, in Fulchester. He provides numerous recordings of conversations with fellow mercenary Hans Schneider, taken from a tapped phone.

Clement tells the court how the raid on Santa Isobella was botched. He adds that he can't be charged with treason because he doesn't have any allegiance to the Crown. Margaret Clement claims the hotel they own was signed over to her.