The custody flap over six-year-old Elian Gonzalez could ultimately strengthen US-Cuba relations if American officials stand firm and don’t succumb to political pressure, this according to a former American diplomat to Havana. It’s Wayne Smith, he was talking about the US INS decision. He said the federal government is doing the right thing by standing by the INS. Attorney General Reno has backed the INS determination that the boy be returned to his father in Cuba and has said that Florida state courts have no say in the federal matter, although she did extend the deadline on a decision in the case.