Question

What was the purpose of the secret negotiations begun by the Allies soon after World War I started?

Answer 1

The correct answer is divide the Ottoman Empire after the war

The allies in the First World War included Great Britain, France, Russia, United States and Belgium.  Italy joined the allies as the war neared an end. They fought against Germany, the Austria-Hungary Empire and the Ottoman Empire

Answer 2

Answer:

  Dismember the Ottoman Empire after an Allied victory and convince Italy to join the Triple Entente.

Explanation:

  Italy was part of the Triple Alliance, then known as the Central powers at first but when the war began Italy felt it had little to gain so it remains neutral. The Allies knew this and secretly tried to convince Italy to join their side. They signed the Treaty of London in which they declared the union of Italy to the Allies and in return they promise territorial concessions after the war.

  Other secret negotiations were held during the war between Great Britain and France, with a minor contribution of Russia about how to divide the Ottoman Empire once the war was won. It was called the Sykes-Picot Agreement in which Britain and France divided spheres of influence on sectors in Asia.

  I hope this answer helps you.