The Ottoman Empire, which desperately sought an alliance for the forthcoming war, was forced to turn to the Central Powers as all efforts to establish an accord with the Entente Powers were futile. However, the first approach to the Central Powers was unsuccessful. The prospect of economic disaster for the Ottoman Empire coupled with its significant weaponry and material requirements caused reluctance on the part of Austria and Germany. In addition, the ambitions of the Ottomans to maintain their grip on the economically and strategically valuable Empire caused further hesitations about an alliance. Nevertheless, the imminent approach of the war and the unavoidable threat of fighting Russia and France at the same time led to an Austro-German alliance with the Ottomans. The German Ambassador in Istanbul, Baron von Wangenheim, was vested with the power to sign an alliance with the Ottoman government with all haste. Negotiations over the alliance, which were initiated on 25th July, 1914 by Grand Vizier. Said Halim Paşa with the written authorization of the Sultan, concluded on 2nd August, 1914 and the agreement was signed on the same day.