This is in the function of their daily duties and is something not "obviously prohibited" by existing laws.

It would be more akin to a postal supervisor telling a postman to do something bizarre and cruel, but not necessarily illegal.

"Put the mail in the PO boxes today while hopping on one foot!"

"What? Ok. Is this legal?"

"Show me where it's NOT legal. If you don't do it...you're fired."

"Whatever...(under breath)...freak."

Internal disciplinary action or termination could result for the supervisor - but not a Federal prosecution. It's one of those grey areas that depend a lot on internal politics and the letter of the law. You could transplant Janet Reno or a "party loyal" back in there and see an investigation - or not. She avoided tons of investigations on even flimsier grounds. Like I said - a grey area.

International treaties are laws that Federal employees do not necessarily observe unless they are also clearly specified in Federal law. The State Department worries about any treaty violations and any international bodies charged with their enforcement.