Master Spies?

There are many disturbing aspects to the case, but one that I find hard to swallow, is the allegation that the Russians were going around offering, what were little more than casual contacts, one hundred pounds in return for information. Firstly, the price is too low. Secondly, how could the Russians know that these contacts, of such a casual nature would not betray them? Thirdly, we are told by Brigadier Gilbert, that the Russians are master spies. Are these the acts of master spies, or are the Russians fools?