There can be no doubt that the Zanzibari leadership knew exactly how lethal the British forces could be. Since as far back as his Grandfathers' reign some of Khalid's Ministers had traveled to Europe and visited the massive armament factories of the Industrial revolution.
Hakuna shaka kwamba uongozi wa Zanzibar ulijua kwa undani jinsi gani majeshi ya waingereza yalivyoweza kuwa ya hatari kubwa. Tangu zamani kabisa enzi za utawala wa mababu zake baadhi ya mawaziri wa Khalid's walisafiri Ulaya na walitembelea viwanda vikubwa vya silaha vya mapinduzi makubwa ya uundaji.