crossing the borders between territories. One such incident leads to a shoot-out between border guards in which both sides suffer casualties. War looks likely, but the pacifist Peace League intervenes. Meanwhile, we learn that the tension is in fact carefully orchestrated by a sinister terrorist group financed by arms manufacturers. They blow up a rail tunnel under the English Channel. The President of Europe orders a mass enlistment and mobilisation, fearing that the Atlantic States are preparing a sneak attack. Dr. Seymour, leader of the Peace League, desperately attempts to avert war. His daughter Evelyn seeks to convince her boyfriend Michael, commander of the European air force, not to fight, but he insists he must do his duty. Evelyn says she will leave him. The European council are divided, but the president decides on war, saying that he will announce the outbreak of hostilities on television. The terrorists try to kill Dr. Seymour by bombing the Peace League, but Seymour survives. He tells Evelyn to make another effort to stop Michael ordering the airforce to attack, while he appeals directly to the President. Pacifists led by Evelyn demonstrate en masse at the airfield. Michael is uncertain what to do, but Evelyn convinces him to delay the attack. Seymour confronts the President, but is forced, despite his pacifism, to shoot him to stop him making the broadcast. Cast Jameson Thomas as Michael Deane Benita Hume as Evelyn Seymour Basil Gill as President Stephen Deane Humberston Wright as Dr. Seymour Henry Vibart as Lord Sycamore James Carew as Lord Rawleigh Hayford Hobbs as Charles Falloway Milton Rosmer as Ernest Stratton Judd Green as James Groves Alf Goddard as Tele-radiographer Irene Rooke as Senator Clifford Heatherley as Delegate Wally Patch as Commissionaire Raymond Massey as cabinet-maker Critical reception The New York Times wrote, "this story is really such a farrago of nonsense that one is sorry Maurice Elvey could not find better material to his expert hand" ; and more recently, the Radio Times wrote, "there is a sticky-backed plastic feel to the world of 1940 created by director Maurice Elvey on Gaumont's Shepherd's Bush soundstage, while the plot demonstrates a singular ignorance of political reality" ; whereas Horrornews.net wrote, "High Treason is one of the best examples of early science fiction cinema." Updated version In 1998, a new sound version was produced by the combined efforts of the French drum & bass