The sabotage question leads to an assessment of Allied industrial, logistical, strategic, and structural advantages. In this interpretation, the Axis depended on a short war won by a rapid offensive, and its prospects deteriorated as fighting continued. A war lasting less than a year is suggested as giving the Axis a chance, with defeat becoming more likely as it lengthened. Removing British ASDIC would improve the position of German submarines by weakening the escorts' ability to find and attack submerged boats. The panel explicitly distinguishes that operational advantage from a guarantee of German victory.
Notable Point · 2:41:14-2:43:03
Why a prolonged war favored the Allies
The proposed loss of ASDIC would help U-boats while leaving the Allies' broader advantages in a long war unresolved.