As for your idea that Smiley thought in terms of violence and crime, with all due respect to what you thought, I can't give it credence.
9 seconds sound clip from the The Big Knife (1955) movie soundboard.
You can hear this line at 01:26:09 in the Blu-ray version of the movie.
Quote context
[...]
- You mishandle your friends, kitty.
- You're not my friend. That pathetic little girl is my friend.
- Lily? Uncle Hoff, if you please.
- Could you come over right away?
- I know I'm not only expressing my views, but yours as well.
- You're saying Smiley didn't tell me anything. I just dreamed it up.
- I wouldn't say you dream by day, but after a few drinks, isn't it possible?
- What is possible is exactly what I said.
- Let me round out my thoughts. I may continue...
- I don't want you to continue.
[...]