A peace treaty between the United States government and the Apaches is about to be signed in Washington. However, a gang of outlaws plan to sabotage the peace process in order to prevent the signing of a treaty. This way, the gang stands to benefit from illegally grabbing Indian lands for themselves. To execute their plan, the outlaws use the Comanche tribe of Chief Big Bear to attack White settlements, stagecoaches and wagon trains and blame the attacks on the Apache. Comanche warriors kill farmers and plant evidence by leaving dead Apache at the scene. These incidents convince the local Army commander, General Taylor, that Apaches are to be blamed. Unconvinced, legendary scout Old Shatterhand meets with his friend, Apache Chief Winnetou, to investigate. Winnetou insists that his tribe wants peace and is not behind the attacks on the Whites. General Taylor meets Winnetou and Old Shatterhand to listen to their account.