Carlton-Browne of the F.O.

Britain acquires Gaillardia in the 18th century, setting up a lasting dispute between the island's two halves. The split governs local politics and fuels rivalries for generations. This prologue frames later struggles over wealth and influence.

In 1916 Gaillardia is granted self-rule, but the two-halves feud continues under British oversight. The division fuels ongoing political drama as independence is granted. Britain maintains strategic influence despite nominal self-government.

When independence arrives, the Foreign Office fails to notify its representative who remains on Gaillardia. Forty years later, that representative writes to the FO warning about suspicious Russian activity. The letter hints at hidden tensions beneath the surface of the island's politics.

The FO orders two British geologists to Gaillardia under the cover of a Morris dancing troupe performing for the king. The plan is to secure access to potential mineral wealth under diplomatic cover. The ruse drags the British into Gaillardia's volatile politics.

During the troupe's show, the Gaillardian king is assassinated, triggering a crisis. Loris, the king's son, escapes the plot and flies out to claim the throne. The assassination upends British plans and unleashes power struggles.

On his flight to assume the throne, Loris travels incognito as Mr Jones and chats with a beautiful Gaillardian woman who is secretly from Gaillardia. The encounter hints at a personal stake in the island's fate. The moment foreshadows romance amid political intrigue.

Back in the Foreign Office, Carlton-Browne is sent to Gaillardia to safeguard British interests, accompanied by his military attaché Colonel Bellingham. They aim to manage the post-assassination transition and secure mineral wealth. Their incompetence becomes a running joke in the plot.

Loris and his prime minister Amphibulos deliberately stall British efforts, hoping to provoke a bidding war with the Russians over Gaillardia's mineral wealth. Their maneuvering reflects a deeper wish to implement reform for the island's people.

To settle the succession dispute, the British persuade the United Nations to partition Gaillardia. The division is practically a painted white line across the island, marked by a cricket-pitch trolley at the boundary. The absurd setup highlights the political theater surrounding the island.

British mineralogists discover cobalt deposits on Alexis's half, complicating claims. Loris travels to Britain to negotiate, but the FO refuses to meet him, preferring to deal with Alexis instead. This fuels Loris's distrust of British intentions.

From Britain, Loris overhears Amphibulos openly supporting Alexis and planning to overthrow Loris in favor of Ilyena. The betrayal sharpens the political stakes and deepens the island's crisis.

News of a revolution prompts the FO to withdraw partition plans and dispatch Bellingham at the head of parachutists to quell the uprising. The operation aims to restore order but quickly spirals into chaos. The island teeters between rebellion and diplomacy.

The parachute mission goes awry as the troops mistakenly attack their own headquarters. Carlton-Browne and Bellingham are captured and brought before the revolutionary leaders, who are led by Loris and Ilyena.

Loris and Ilyena, now engaged, confront the British delegation. Carlton-Browne pretends he is there only to offer congratulations on the engagement, while secretly navigating the revolution's shifting alliances. The lovers' union signals a hopeful turn for Gaillardia.

Gaillardia is reunited as the revolution ends and foreigners withdraw. Carlton-Browne is honored with orders of chivalry from both Gaillardia and Britain for his role in maintaining a fragile peace. The final shot shows workers painting out the white line of partition, symbolizing unity.