:The materials (currency plates) White passed on to the Soviets cost the U.S. billions.  The fact that White acted out of idealism is no excuse at all.  Neither is spying for an ally.  There is a reason Jonathan Pollard is sitting in prison.  Steil doesn't mention that White interfered with financial aid to China, aiding the communist takeover.  The Chinese communists were not a vital U.S. ally.