And had a UK soldier done the same, that's all he would be doing. It doesn't make it right though. Manning knew better. Assange is primping his prima donna feathers.
I for one, would be happy for a serving UK armed forces person to expose some of their political bosses for the liars they are. Some senior retired officers have made comments but serving 2*,3* and 4* are reluctant to risk their pensions and what remains of their careers and of course the possibility of a title or political career on retirement.
This is why so many of our frontline servicemen and women continue to lack adequate equipment for combat duties. Whistleblowing under these circumstances is not treason, it's a patriotic duty.