united-states criminal-law
Does Nixon derailing Vietnam peace negotiations in the run up to the 1968 elections constitute treason?
<p>Does <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Nixon" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Nixon</a> intentionally <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Chennault#Paris_Peace_Accords" rel="nofollow noreferrer">derailing Vietnam peace negotiations</a> in the run up to the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_presidential_election,_1968" rel="nofollow noreferrer">1968 elections</a> constitute treason?</p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Nixon campaign ... sought to block a peace treaty in what one long-term Washington insider called "activities ... beyond the bounds of justifiable political combat." [Anna Chennault] arranged the contact with South Vietnamese Ambassador Bui Diem whom Richard Nixon met in secret in July 1968 in New York.... Republicans advised Saigon to refuse participation in the talks, promising a better deal once elected.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>PS. See also <a href="https://history.stackexchange.com/q/41074/1979">Nixon’s alleged treason 1968</a>.</p>

<p>No. </p>

<p>Treason is defined in <a href="https://constitutioncenter.org/interactive-constitution/articles/article-iii" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Section 3 of Article III of the United States Constitution</a>: </p>

<blockquote>
  <p>Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War
  against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and
  Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the
  Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in
  open Court.</p>
  
  <p>The Congress shall have Power to declare the Punishment of Treason,
  but no Attainder of Treason shall work Corruption of Blood, or
  Forfeiture except during the Life of the Person attainted.</p>
</blockquote>

<p>Nixon did not levy war on the United States. Nixon did not adhere to the enemies of the United States (a term that means those against whom a declaration of war has been made). And, Nixon did not give aid and comfort to the enemies of the United States in the sense described. He met with the South Vietnamese Ambassador, our ally, not the North Vietnamese ambassador.</p>

<p>How to make peace in order to end a war is a matter in the sole discretion of the President.</p>
