Conflicting loyalties make for tough love between a soldier and a civilian in Cyprus

During Cyprus' struggle for independence in the late 50s, a British major is sent to the island to track down a terrorist leader and falls in love with an American archaeologist who is visiting her Cypriot friends. Unbeknownst to her, they are involved in the local terrorist racket.

When she learns more than she should, her loyalty is divided between the Cypriots and the British.

Dirk Bogarde is the British intelligence man whose efforts to stem Eoka guerilla activity are compromised when he falls for her.