The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word SOUNDINGS
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Buddy explains!

The straight part
We know that "Early intelligence" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case early intelligence = soundings.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SOUNDINGS mean?
SOUNDINGS noun- The action of the verb to sound.
- Test made with a probe or sonde.
- A measured depth of water.
- The act of inserting of a thin metal rod into the urethra of the penis for medical or sexual purposes
- (chiefly in the plural) Any place or part of the ocean, or other water, where a sounding line will reach the bottom.
- The sand, shells, etc. brought up by the sounding lead when it has touched bottom.