"From the first moment, diplomatic notes were exchanged and a permanent and professional communication has been maintained between MINREX" -- Cuba's foreign ministry -- "and the U.S. Interests Section in Havana, with the goal of guaranteeing the integrity and well-being of the minors, " the statement said.

CNN: locates family who fled Florida to Cuba

More work for the lawyers: In the ruling, the appeals court notes that both sides exchanged discovery materials and held at least three meetings with a mediator.

FORBES: Headset Settlement That Paid Lawyers, Not Clients, Is Rejected

Defence officials told the Washington Post that the full investigation had shown that there were in fact only several hundred emails exchanged between Gen Allen and Mrs Kelley, mostly notes on current news topics and social matters or compliments on Gen Allen's television interviews.

BBC: General John Allen cleared over 'inappropriate' emails