Fill in the blank (_) in the following sentence from the following choices.
Sentence: We gave the powder to the man instead of the salt that he asked for, because the _ was needed.

Choice 1: We gave the powder to the man instead of the salt that he asked for, because the powder was needed.
Choice 2: We gave the powder to the man instead of the salt that he asked for, because the salt was needed.
Which of the choices is correct? Respond with only "1" or "2" and no additional text.
1
1. We gave the powder to the man instead of the salt that he asked for, because the powder was needed.