Authorities in the Punjab had serious concerns about the outbreak of violence and a potential humanitarian crisis if the plans for partition were not revealed with sufficient notice.

Staurt Abbott, private secretary to the Governor of Punjab, wrote to George Abell, private secretary to Viceroy Mountbatten:

“H.E.[Governor Evan Jenkins] has asked me to make a special request for as much advance intimation not only of the date of the award but also of its contents as can be given. Whatever the date and whatever Government will be in power when the award is announced, it will be necessary to take precautions, especially in those districts which are likely to be affected, particularly those in the Central Punjab.”

Source: ‘Mr Abbott to Sir G. Abell’ cited in Nicholas Mansergh & Penderel Moon (eds.), Transfer of Power, vol. XII, p. 191