As World War II draws to a close, Major Ferris finds himself in the jungles of Malaysia, fighting alongside guerrilla groups. Although an American attached to the Australian 8th Army, he remains in Malaysia to coordinate with native guerrilla forces. As news of Japan's unconditional surrender spreads, there is jubilation all around. However, a British officer astutely notes that while the Malaysian people aided the British in defeating the Japanese, their loyalties might shift, and their stance towards the British may change in the near future.
Malaysia, a British colony like many others, grapples with the struggle for independence from European powers. Major Ferris reaches out to his closest friend and wartime comrade, Malaysian Colonel Ng, with a business proposition. Ferris has acquired land rich in rubber trees and tin mines and offers Ng an equal partnership. However, Colonel Ng declines, explaining that he must go to Moscow to study at a political cadre school. The two friends part ways.
Eight years later, Malaysia faces significant turmoil. Guerrilla groups openly attack British military convoys, assassinate British officers, raid local plantations and businesses, loot company payrolls, abduct European colonists, and damage British colonial assets in the region. While the British government negotiates a peaceful withdrawal of its forces from Malaysia, promising complete independence to the country, guerrilla leaders remain skeptical and continue their struggle against colonial authorities.
Major Ferris stands out as an exception to the chaos surrounding him. His plantations and tin mines remain untouched by the rebels, and even when he drives his convertible on local roads, the guerrilla groups in ambush spare him. However, a turning point arrives when news emerges that former Malaysian guerrilla leader Colonel Ng has returned from Moscow to coordinate all guerrilla factions in Malaysia.
The region's chief of police and the British Army commander approach Major Ferris, aware of his past collaboration with Ng against the Japanese during the war. They request Ferris to venture into the jungle and convey a message from the British. Their message aims to reassure the guerrilla leader that the British genuinely intend to withdraw from Malaysia, allowing the country to achieve full independence. They also implore the guerrillas to halt their attacks on the British military and colonists to facilitate their organized departure from Malaysia.
With this critical mission at hand, Major Ferris sets off alone into the jungle to locate his old comrade, Colonel Ng.
