If (X(t)) is a one-dimensional diffusion corresponding to the operator
L = 1/2 partial derivative(xx) - alpha partial derivative(x) starting
from x > 0 and T-a is the hitting time of a, we prove that under suit
able conditions on the drift coefficient the following Limit exists: F
or All s > 0, For All Alpha is an element of f(s), lim(t-->infinity)P(
x)(X is an element of Alpha\T-0 > t). We characterize this limit as th
e distribution of an h-like process, h satisfying Lh = - eta h, h(0) =
0, h'(0) = 1, where eta = -lim(t-->infinity)(1/t)logP(x)(T-0 > t). Mo
reover, we show that this parameter eta can only take two values: eta
= 0 Or eta = lambda, where lambda is the smallest point of increase of
the spectral distribution of the operator l = 1/2 partial derivative
(xx) + partial derivative(x)(alpha .).