The enmity and tension between Denethor and Gandalf actually go back long before this.
Take a look at the section labelled "The Stewards" in Appendix A and you will see that Denethor heartily disliked Aragorn (known in this earlier period as Thorongil), and that Thorongil was the one who recommended Gandalf's counsel to the Steward. Denethor was bitterly jealous of Thorongil and the esteem in which his father Eckthelion held him as well as the people of Gondor's high regard for Thorongil.
Here is a quote from the Appendix relating to all this:
Quote:
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Denethor II was a proud man, tall, valiant, and more kingly than any man that had appeared in Gondor for many lives of men; and he was wise also, and far-sighted, and learned in lore. Indeed he was as like to Thorongil as to one of nearest kin, and yet was ever placed second to the stranger in the hearts of men and the esteem of his father. At the time many thought that Thorongil had departed before his rival became his master [ i.e. before Eckthelion died and Denethor became steward ]; though indeed Thorongil had never view with Denethor, nor held himself higher than the servant of his father. And in one matter only were their counsels to the Steward at variance: Thorongil often warned Eckthelion not to put trust in Saruman the White in Isengard, but to welcome rather Gandalf the Grey. But there was little love between Dennethor and Gandalf; and afer the days of Eckthelion there was less welcome for the Grey Pilgrim in Minas Tirith.
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Appendix A goes on to explain the possible underlying reason for Denethor's hatred of Thorongil and his supporter Gandalf. Since Denethor had a subtle mind, and looked longer and deeper than other men of his day, he may have actually discovered who Thorongil was, wrongly suspecting that he and Gandalf plotted to supplant him.
Given this situation, it's not surprising that Denethor would only grudgingly give Gandalf access to any ancient scrolls. For all he knew, they would find something that would buttress Aragorn's claim to the throne of Gondor! And, even though that was not the object of Gandalf's search, it's likely that Denethor did not trust him.
[ November 10, 2003: Message edited by: Child of the 7th Age ]