Explanation:

- Option 1: China was one of the first to implement a systematic recruitment policy. The Chinese civil service examination system was an ancient practice for selecting officials based on merit.

- Option 2: Sweden, while having its own historical governance systems, is not credited with pioneering recruitment policies centuries ago.

- Option 3: Britain developed more structured recruitment practices later in history, during the establishment of formal public services.

- Option 4: Prussia is known for its efficient military and civil service, but did not first realize the need for sound recruitment centuries ago.