Some have suggested that these efforts to engage in a long distance (and no doubt lengthy) diplomatic campaign indicates that the Zanzibari were unaware of their immediate risks and were foolish in not realizing how lethal the British guns were and how willing the Navy was to use them.
Baadhi wametoa maoni kwamba jitihada zote hizi za kujiingiza katika biashara ya umbali mrefu (bila shaka ndefu hasa) kampeni za kidiplomasia zinaonesha kuwa waZanzibari hawakufahamu hatari ya mara moja na walikuwa wajinga kutotambua jinsi gani silaha za Uingereza zilivyokuwa za hatari na jinsi gani jeshi la majini lilivyokuwa tayari kuzitumia.