It backed up this argument by reminding DoT that previously Australia had refused to allow United to exceed restrictions similar to those now facing Jetstar - a reference to United's plan some years before to operate a daily service over the North Pacific route included in the agreement.
I think United are telling little porkies to push their own agenda here. Yes they did have rights a number of years ago to operate from the US via Japan to Australia. There was a major clause in this agreement in that they weren’t allowed to pick up pax out of Japan. They were caught red handed doing just that and a diplomatic spat followed between the US and Australia.