Is a limitation of the scope of cross-examination an abuse of power?

We review the district court's limitation of the scope of cross-examination for an abuse of discretion. United States v. McClintock, 748 F.2d 1278, 1289 (9th Cir.1984), cert. denied, 474 U.S. 822 (1985); United States v. Brutzman, 731 F.2d 1449, 1452 (9th Cir.1984).

The sixth amendment to the Constitution guarantees the right of the defendant in a criminal prosecution "to be confronted with the witnesses against him." A primary right secured by the confrontation clause is the right of cross-examination. Davis v. Alaska, 415 U.S. 308, 315 (1974). "Cross-examination is the principal means by which the believeability of a witness and the truth of his testimony are tested." Id. at 316.